THE Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar got into a bit of hot water over his new government strategic communication unit. He defended it as a “small unit” within his own department. Its focus is on “strategic communications across government”.

It seems there’s a unit emerging in the Mullins camp too and it’s called Tony.

It’s mission “is to rid the world” (we steal Davy Carton’s words) “of this sinful repression” of Willie’s achievements. We have 25 flat Group 1s against 34 Grade 1s in a season over jumps. So who is the most worthy?

In fairness, both achievements, even if the flat is undoubtedly a more global arena and more competitive, should to be applauded equally. Keeping a team of top horses on song for a season is no mean feat, perhaps even more so over jumps.

Both yards benefitted by having the best group of horses of any trainer, in their care. There were easy wins in both camps, Faugheen beating two stable companions in the Irish Champion Hurdle and Douvan beating two rivals in the Frank Ward Irish Arkle.

Aidan, in similar fashion had the first three home in the Moyglare, and that was without the original favourite in Clemmie.

Both men bring such credit to Irish racing. Their achievements should unite us in praise.