What does CAR stand for?

Byline: Brian Fleming IRELAND'S champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins was yesterday officially unveiled as Horse Racing Ireland's jumps ambassador for this season, echoing the successful initiative of Johnny Murtagh as Flat ambassador, writes Announcing the news at Mullins' County Carlow yard yesterday morning, Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of the governing body, said: "It's great to have appointed Willie given what he's done over the years.

The County Carlow maestro would appear to have solid claims in this year's renewal with Pomme Tiepy, Emma Jane and Arbor Supreme occupying three of the first four places in the betting.

However, Mikael D'Hagunet, unbeaten in four races since arriving at the County Carlow stable of trainer Willie Mullins, looks set to be confirmed to run in the two-mile five-furlong race ahead of an alternative engagement in next Friday's Albert Barlett Novices' Hurdle.

However, after leaving New Approach in the field at the confirmation stage, the County Carlow trainer now reports his charge "very likely" to take his chance.

The son of Galileo is now 9-4 from 11-4 with the sponsors after his County Carlow handler mapped out a plan for the Dewhurst winner, which surprisingly excludes the Epsom Classic.

The County Carlow handler's trio will face a maximum of seven rivals in the Grade One event headed by the The Listener.

New Approach's trainer and owner Jim Bolger was deprived of the chance to see last year's brilliant winner Teofilo compete in the Classic generation when he got injured, but the County Carlow handler has been blessed with another incredible thoroughbred.

Fahy, who trains the mare for his Leighlinbridge, County Carlow neighbour Michael Foley, said: "Really good ground is the secret for this mare.