Sports Betting News: Mullins Fires a Warning Shot at Henderson

Patrick Mullins says State Man can defend his Champion Hurdle title next March, despite facing competition from 2023 winner Constitution Hill.

State Man is a best-priced 5/1 on horse racing betting sites to retain his crown, but Mullins believes the bookmakers are underestimating his chances.

Read on as we look at what Mullins has had to say about the Champion Hurdle, before assessing some of the other top news from the betting industry this week.

Mullins took a subtle dig at trainer Nicky Henderson, saying ‘State Man took advantage of Constitution Hill going for dinner rather than the racetrack last March’.

He argued that his father Willie’s charge now has the same number of Champion Hurdle victories as Constitution Hill, but is not getting the respect he deserves.

However, the bookies think the Mullins team is fighting a losing battle, with Constitution Hill rated as a 7/4 shot on betting apps to regain his crown next March.

Ann Duffield and Gay Kelleway are set to team up in a new training partnership at the former’s Sun Hill Stables near Middleham in North Yorkshire.

Kelleway has sold her yard outside Newmarket to a property developer after citing difficulties in remaining competitive against stables with bigger resources.

The pair believe the link-up will improve their chances of training winners and their runners could be worth monitoring on UK betting sites over the next few months.

Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell is eyeing an ambitious tilt at the 2025 Triumph Hurdle with unbeaten three-year-old Hello Neighbour.

Impressive victories on the flat at Navan and Roscommon after being backed off the boards have got Cromwell plotting a route to the Cheltenham Festival.

Several new betting sites are offering odds of 40/1 for Hello Neighbour to win the Triumph Hurdle, and the shrewd Cromwell operation could be poised to take advantage.