Unmatched Scheme 4: Rich Ricci talks to Willie Mullins, unraced horses to follow, Lossiemouth and trainer cross over | Racing News

Legendary owner Rich Ricci joined Matt Chapman and Paddy Brennan as a special guest on episode 4 of Unbridled to discuss his stars, past and present.

Ricci celebrated his 100th Grade One victory recently when Royale Pagaille secured his second consecutive Betfair Chase at Haydock.

Over the years, its famous pink and green colors have been worn by some of the game's greats, including Faugheen, Vautour and Annie Power, and its current stock looks just as smart, on led by Champion Hurdle favorite Lossiemouth plus some. interesting youth yet to go on the path.

Q) You have two unraced horses from France – Riskabahia and Sainte Lucie – how do they look?

“Riskabahia is a horse we think a lot about! She is doing everything right at home and I think she will be out soon. Yes I think she is very promising.

“Saint Lucie is a good three-year-old and will probably start around Christmas time. They are a lovely couple.

“I also have a full brother to Gaelic Warrior. He hasn't been named yet but he's four years old and you'll see him in the Spring maybe in a bumper.

“Willie was part of a group that owned it with a few others and they sold it to me last year.

“It's a beautiful thing, we just have to come up with a name for it. It's exciting I think.”

Q) Are you keeping the faith with Willy De Houelle for the Triumph Hurdle after losing at Taigh nan Faythieh?

“I gave 20/1 straight after the race. His form in France is very good and on the day they went way too fast. He will be better for that and Willie is very confident if the race was run again, may he win.

“I haven't lost confidence in him yet so we'll see what he does next time, maybe at Christmas time.”

Q) You've had some great times in the sport, but Royale Pagaille's second victory in the Betfair Chase seemed right up there, didn't it?

“This was my 100th Grade One! I've been in the game a long time so something like that meant a lot to me and you could tell.

“I love the horse too and the way he won the race was brilliant. I love Haydock. It's a great course and the people are really good.”

Q) How would your four great mares rank: Annie Power, Vroum Vroum Mag, Benie Des Dieux and Lossiemouth?

“Annie Power one. Then Lossiemouth, just because she hasn't achieved what Annie Power has yet. Vroum Vroum Mag third and Benie Des Dieux.”

Q) How would you rate Faugheen, Vautour and Douvan?

“On talent – Vautour, Douvan and then Faugheen.”

Q) What do you love so much about racehorses?

“Competition is the sport. I'm terrible at golf, I don't play tennis, I don't run, but I'm competitive so it's a way to scratch that itch.

“I love horses too, they're beautiful things. There's nothing more beautiful than seeing someone like Paddy Brennan jump the seven rail fences down the back of Sandown.”

Q) What has been your greatest moment in racing?

“Annie Power wins the Champion Hurdle.”

Q) Did you ever control Willie Mullins?

“Yes, a couple of times. Once on a race selection where we then got filled, so I said: “Okay, leave it to him!'

“And maybe a few times about whether you should ride a horse somewhere or not.”

Q) You have a good relationship with racers, why is that so important to you?

“I owe a lot and if people can be bothered to take the time to ask for a selfie, a chat or a paint, I feel it's my duty to do it.

“I've always loved racing and I love being in the mix. These guys make the sport what it is.”

Q) How do you see the future of horse racing and the challenges it faces?

“It's clear that the sport has some very serious issues, systemic and fundamental ones.

“The challenges of problem gambling are real. However, when I go somewhere like Australia, they are much more creative in dealing with these things. It is very regulated but they like it and the business is thriving.

“Nobody asks me where my money comes from when I buy a horse at the sale but if I'm going to bet and lose £1,000 they want the financial records I couldn't see it so I pretty much stopped punting.”