A STRONG gallop, fast ground, patient ride, turning track and a man called Mullins all adds up to an unlikely Breeders’ Cup glory. You know that the National Hunt season is underway when the NBC sports coverage of the Breeders’ Cup from Del Mar shows Ethical Diamond finishing fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham following his stunning victory in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf.

It was a surreal and amusing moment as the host broadcaster joined its viewers in clutching for an explanation for what they had just seen. Whilst we must acknowledge the vision and skill of Willie Mullins there were a few factors that collided in favour of Ethical Diamond that allowed him to record one of the best time performances of the meeting. His Beyer Speed figure of 107 was the best turf figure at the meeting and the second best achieved in North America in 2025. The ride he got on fast ground in an honestly-run race on a tight turning track the perfect mix for this talented horse.