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Willie Mullins admits Cheltenham expectations leave ‘a certain dread in your stomach’

There’s only 20 days to the start of the Cheltenham festival so first things first – Willie Mullins thinks Allaho is his best bet for jump racing’s biggest week of the year.

Since Allaho is a 4-5 favourite to repeat last year’s success in the Ryanair Chase its cautious advice unlikely to make any punter rich.

However, since Mullins is the most successful figure in festival history with 78 winners – and is himself odds-on to be top trainer for a ninth time – he knows his every word gets pounced on at this time of year.

When quizzed by media at his Co Carlow base on Wednesday morning he had barely mentioned favouring the Turners Chase rather than the Brown Advisory for Galopin Des Champs than the star novice’s price collapsed in the shorter race.

It sets up the prospect of a mouth-watering cIash with another Irish star in Bob Olinger, although 27 years of Cheltenham success has taught Mullins the value of wriggle room.

That means definitive festival plans are unlikely to be finalised until the first 48-hour declaration stage the Sunday before.

That will be when the brains trust of Mullins, his son Patrick, champion jockey Paul Townend, assistant trainer David Casey, and someone called Ruby Walsh, sit down and divvy up a colossal 60-horse squad.

“Mental,” is how the perennial champion trainer describes how that decisive date used to be in the office. It’s a quicker process now but still him with the ultimate call.

“It’s probably a gut feeling. Sometimes you don’t make the right decision but you go with your gut feeling or whoever puts up the biggest argument.

“Sometimes [though] I’ll have my mind made up, I listen to the others, and we go my way!” he says.

Allaho on the gallops during the media visit to Willie Mullins’s yard at Closutton, Bagenalstown on Wednesday. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

It means the racing world must hang on longer for where other exciting novice talents such as Sir Gerhard and Dysart Dynamo end up.

There are other dilemmas, too, such as whether the former dual-Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo will emerge in time from an apparent mood slump to try and regain the ‘Blue Riband’ crown, or if Chacun Pour Soi is too much of a home bird to carry his outstanding domestic form across the Irish Sea.

So perhaps it’s little wonder that while everyone else is counting down the days the central figure is more ambivalent.

“[I] probably dread it because of the expectation from everyone that we’re going to have half a dozen winners,” he admitted.

It seems not even 78 winners – including eight in a single week in 2015 – can insulate someone against a fear of it all going wrong.

“Some year it will happen – we’ll have a blowout. And that’s always on the back of your mind,” Mullins said.

“Everyone’s expectation is going to be your failure if you don’t come up with it. That leaves a certain dread in your stomach. A week or two before the festival can be tough in that respect.

“But I’m lucky enough with the owners and the horses I have to be in that position. You just have to take what comes with it; people always stopping you and people always ringing you, that’s the price you pay.

“And thankfully people are because there’s lots of guys no one wants to ring. I know I’m very lucky so that’s the way I feel going into it. On one hand you’re dreading it – on the other I’m lucky,” he added.

Cheltenham’s central role in the sport means it’s not just the racing world focusing on the four days in the Cotswolds.

Willie Mullins watches his horses parade during a media visit to his yard at Closutton, Bagenalstown. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

After the reputational disaster of 2020, and last year’s eerie behind closed doors action, the prospect of an ‘old normal’ festival with heaving crowds felt as bright as Wednesday morning’s sunshine following a week of torrential rain and wind.

“It comes from over there, from Jim Bolger country,” Mullins joked, pointing to nearby hills where his outspoken former mentor is based. “Comes down here and lands on us – like a lot of stuff from there!”

Squabbles might be as common as rain in Irish racing but what’s novel is the scale of the raider’s dominance at Cheltenham.

A record 23 of the 28 festival races last year were won by Irish-based horses, leaving a mortified home team to indulge in introspective examination of their failure.

It didn’t feel like only modesty that led the most successful figure of all to disagree with Gold Cup-winning trainer Henrietta Knight’s recent comments about part of the Irish success being due to better trainers here.

“Our racing structure, with better prizemoney, is attracting better and bigger owners, who in turn can buy horses and we have the investment in Irish racing to buy the types of horses that are needed.

“I don’t think it’s about the trainers. I think it’s the stock we have.

“I remember my father was champion trainer and if he had two Grade One horses in his yard at the one time that was a good number. Because any time a horse popped its head up at that time it was bought and on the ferry.

“So the money and investment went into English racing. Now it’s the other way around. That’s the big thing,” Mullins said.

He was also keen to point out how not everyone gets right all of the time.

“I’ve turned down some good horses too. I turned down Denman because he was hobdayed [operation to improve a horse’s breathing].

“I rang Tom Mahoney [scout] the following year when he won his novice half the track and I said ‘why didn’t you ring me?’ and he says ‘I did, and I told you he was hobdayed, and you told me to f**k off!” Mullins laughed.

Appreciate It leads the parade during the visit to Willie Mullins’s yard. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Mullins on his key Cheltenham hopes

Al Boum Photo (Gold Cup)
“I’d rather I had him in better order to be honest. I brought him away to work and I wasn’t happy with him.

“He’s fit and we should have plenty of time. I think he’s in better order this morning than he was the last few days.

“Maybe it just wasn’t his day when I brought him away. He usually comes right for Cheltenham.

“I wish he was in better form but we still have time. It’s just a matter of hoping he comes into form.”

Appreciate It (Champion Hurdle)
“I had him away for a gallop last week and I was very, very happy with him.

“I’d say we have a good record with horses running first time out at Cheltenham. I don’t know we’ve done it in a Champion Hurdle but we did it with Quevega and Joe Cullen won first time up.

“It’s not something I’m worried about. I made the decision ages ago and the closer we’ve got the happier I am that we didn’t have a run.”

Galopin Des Champs (Turners or Brown Advisory)
“Galopin did it very well at Leopardstown and I can’t see him going up to three miles. It’s not a decision yet but at the moment I’d be favouring going for the shorter race.

“I think he has the ability to do that. He jumps well, he’s sharp and I don’t think he needs to go three miles.

“Bob Olinger is obviously a worry but I’d be thinking our man would be better off in the shorter race.”

Sir Gerhard (Supreme or Ballymore)
“I’ve no doubt that whatever race he runs in, getting a lead, he’ll be fine. He has plenty of speed and jumps well. I’m looking forward to getting him over there and he could go in either race.

“You could toss a coin to decide which race he goes to. That’s the sort of ability I think he has.”

Facile Vega (Bumper)
“I got him ready last year to run and he did a bit of work here one day that said to me ‘wow’ this fella could be special. He got jarred so I left him alone. What he did from the furlong marker the last day [Dublin Racing Festival] was exceptional.”

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From a cosy aeroplane cockpit to an old railway station and a humble Kent home – with its very own CAVE… the strangest Airbnbs you can book for a very unique staycation

Are you looking for a staycation a little more thrilling than a cottage by the sea?

Well look no further, as whether you fancy sleeping in an aeroplane cockpit or cosying up for the night in a cave – there’s a holiday home for you.

A simple hotel stay isn’t for everyone, and quirky holiday retreats have been popping up across the country in recent years.

From an old railway station in the Scottish Highlands to Welsh ‘moon bathing’, there are many places you can have an out-of-the-ordinary trip.

Here, MailOnline reveals some of the strangest Airbnbs you can book for a unique UK stay.

Jetstream, Lincolnshire

This Lincolnshire camping spot turns the cockpit into the destination for just £115 a night

However to make a cup of tea or use the toilet you will have to leave the plane

The small aircraft is kitted out with a King bed up against the cockpit

The Jetstream is a plane that has been converted into a glamping pod and it can fit up to five people ‘at a squeeze’

Many people think planes are simply for travelling somewhere else.

But this Lincolnshire camping spot turns the cockpit into the destination, for just £115-a-night.

The Jetstream is a plane that has been converted into a glamping pod and it can fit up to five people ‘at a squeeze’.

The small aircraft is kitted out with a King bed up against the cockpit and a v-shaped double bed squeezed into the nose of the aircraft – which is called the radome. There is also a small pull-out single bed.

However to make a cup of tea or use the toilet you will have to leave the plane – but you won’t have to travel far as the kitchen and bathroom are just 20m away.

Cromdale Railway Station, Strathspey

Cromdale Railway Station is now one of the Scottish Highlands’ most unique holiday destinations

What was once a ticket office is now the kitchen, while the waiting room has become the lounge

The converted railway station in Strathspey, which was built in 1863, also comes with a train carriage made into a camping coach

Guests have access to an art studio in the ‘station master’s shed’ and a games room – which comes with a ping pong table, small pool table and table football

Closed to passengers in 1965, Cromdale Railway Station is now one of the Scottish Highlands’ most unique holiday destinations.

The converted railway station in Strathspey, which was built in 1863, also comes with a train carriage made into a camping coach.

What was once a ticket office is now the kitchen, while the waiting room has become the lounge. The lamp room now has a triple bunk bed in it, making it the perfect room for kids.

With five bedrooms, the station and carriage combined can sleep up to eight people – which works out as a bargain at £238-a-night. There is even a summer house complete with garden toys and a barbecue.

On top of the nostalgia of staying in a disused railway station, guests have access to an art studio in the ‘station master’s shed’ and a games room – which comes with a ping pong table, small pool table and table football. There is also a trampoline and a rowing machine.

White Cliffs cave, Kent

But this house in Dover, Kent, comes complete with its very own not-at-all-creepy White Cliffs cave

Described as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ by its host, you can dine, relax, or even sleep in an actual cave, for just £144-a-night

Eerie pictures of the cave show it scattered with candles in cross holders, colourful lights and what appear to be markings scratched into the wall

While the two-bedroom home itself appears ordinary, the dark entrance to the cave can be seen and accessed from the kitchen

On the face of it this may look like a humble home for a quiet coastal stay.

But this house in Dover, Kent, comes complete with its very own not-at-all-creepy White Cliffs cave.

Described as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ by its host, you can dine, relax, or even sleep in an actual cave, for just £144-a-night.

While the two-bedroom home itself appears ordinary, the dark entrance to the cave can be seen and accessed from the kitchen.

Eerie pictures of the cave show it scattered with candles in cross holders, colourful lights and what appear to be markings scratched into the wall – as well as the rather forlorn-looking outline of a face.

Sleep Explorer’s Globe, Leicestershire

What makes the Sleep Explorer’s Globe, in Hallaton, Lecestershire, stand out, is that it looks as though it’s floating

It has one double bed, one single bed and an oil heater and wood burner for colder nights

The ‘low-impact’ dome, which can sleep three people, is situated in a two-acre patch of woodland – and is a strictly no-wifi type of retreat

The £150-a-night eco-Globe has a composting loo and a warm shower with a view of the woods so you can really feel at one with nature

Luxury tree-houses have been popping up all over the country in recent years.

But what makes the Sleep Explorer’s Globe, in Hallaton, Lecestershire, stand out, is that it looks as though it’s floating.

The ‘low-impact’ dome, which can sleep three people, is situated in a two-acre patch of woodland – and is a strictly no-wifi type of retreat.

It has one double bed, one single bed and an oil heater and wood burner for colder nights.

The £150-a-night eco-Globe has a composting loo and a warm shower with a view of the woods so you can really feel at one with nature.

PilotHouse PH5, Drimnin

PilotHouse PH5, in Drimnim, offers 360 views of the stunning west Scotland coast

The wrap-around balcony means you can enjoy the stunning view across the water of the Isle of Mull

Despite its industrial feel, the home has a comfortable-looking living room with leather seats and a cosy bedroom

Always dreamed of staying in a submarine? Then this aluminium holiday spot could be the next best thing.

Granted you won’t be surrounded by sea life, but PilotHouse PH5, in Drimnim, offers 360 views of the stunning west Scotland coast.

Designed by architect Roderick Hames and Amanda Markham, the £170-a-night tiny home’s inside even matches its outside, with ridged metal walls adding to the mechanical decor.

The wrap-around balcony means you can enjoy the stunning view across the water of the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland’s 790 offshore islands – 93 of which are inhabited.

Despite its industrial feel, the home has a comfortable-looking living room with leather seats and a cosy bedroom. It also comes complete with a wood burning stove for those chilly Scottish nights.

Moon Conker, Powys

The Moon Conker in Llanafan-fawr, Powys, is a dome-shaped tree-house complete with observatory holes for those starry nights

If you’re a fan of stargazing but don’t want to brave the open elements, this is the staycation for you

Moon bathing is this property’s key feature – so take a bath outside in its hot and cold Scandi-style tubs

The hosts say the moon bathing helps in ‘harnessing of natural energies from the river’ in what is suggested to be ‘plain Celtic magic’

If you’re a fan of stargazing but don’t want to brave the open elements, this is the staycation for you.

The Moon Conker in Llanafan-fawr, Powys, is a dome-shaped tree-house complete with observatory holes for those starry nights.

And given its name, moon bathing is this property’s key feature – so take a bath outside in its hot and cold Scandi-style tubs – which are filled by hand pump with water from the nearby stream and heated in a kettle.

There are basic kitchen essentials, tea and coffee facilities and marshmallows for toasting over the fire.

The hosts say the moon bathing helps in ‘harnessing of natural energies from the river’ in what is suggested to be ‘plain Celtic magic’.

Double decker glamping bus, Wrexham

This upcycled double decker bus is the perfect holiday home if you are looking for something a bit unconventional

The quirky bus has its own fenced off garden, and old bus seats make up the dining area

Set in a family farm in Llan-y-pwll, Wrexham, the bus can sleep six people comfortably as it has one King bed, one double and two singles

The bus – which was operated by Crosville Motor Services, a bus company sold off in the 90s – has a small kitchenette as well as field views

This upcycled double decker bus is the perfect holiday home if you are looking for something a bit unconventional.

Set in a family farm in Llan-y-pwll, Wrexham, the bus can sleep six people comfortably as it has one King bed, one double and two singles.

The quirky bus has its own fenced off garden, and old bus seats make up the dining area.

The bus – which was operated by Crosville Motor Services, a bus company sold off in the 90s – has a small kitchenette as well as field views. It also has its own fenced off garden.

If you are planning on a winter trip, be warned that while there are electric heater and blankets on board, the bus can get chilly.

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“The Creator”: A Glimpse Into A Future Defined By Artificial Intelligence (AI) Warfare

By Cindy Porter

In “The Creator” visionary director Gareth Edwards thrusts us into the heart of a dystopian future, where the battle lines are drawn between artificial intelligence and the free Western world.

Set against the backdrop of a post-rebellion Los Angeles, the film grapples with pressing questions about the role of AI in our society.

A Glimpse into a Future Defined by Artificial Intelligence (AI) Warfare

While the narrative treads familiar ground, it is timely, given the rising prominence of artificial intelligence in our daily lives.

A Fusion of Genres

Edwards embarks on an ambitious endeavor, blending elements of science fiction classics with contemporary themes.

The result is a cinematic stew reminiscent of James Cameron’s “Aliens” tinged with shades of “Blade Runner” a dash of “Children of Men,” and a sprinkle of “Akira” This concoction, while intriguing, occasionally veers toward familiarity rather than forging its own distinct identity.

Edwards’ Cinematic Journey

The British filmmaker, known for his foray into doomsday scenarios with the BBC docudrama “End Day” in 2005, has traversed a path from indie gem “Monsters” (2010) to the expansive Star Wars universe with “Rogue One” (2016).

“The Creator” marks another bold step in his repertoire. The film introduces compelling concepts like the posthumous donation of personality traits, punctuated by impactful visuals, and raises pertinent ethical dilemmas. It stands as a commendable endeavor, even if it occasionally falters in execution.

Navigating Complexity

In his pursuit of depth, Edwards at times stumbles into the realm of convolution, leaving the audience grappling with intricacies rather than immersing in the narrative.

While adept at crafting visual spectacles and orchestrating soundscapes, the film occasionally falters in the art of storytelling.

In an era where classic storytelling is seemingly on the wane, some may argue that this approach is emblematic of the times.

AI: Savior or Peril?

“The Creator” leaves us with a question that resonates long after the credits roll: Will artificial intelligence be humanity’s salvation or its undoing? The film’s take on machine ethics leans toward simplicity, attributing AI emotions to programmed responses.

This portrayal encapsulates the film’s stance on the subject – a theme as enigmatic as the AI it grapples with.

“The Creator”

Director: Gareth Edwards.
Starring: John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Madeleine Yuna Boyles, Ken Watanabe.
Genre: Science fiction.
Release Year: 2023.
Duration: 133 minutes.
Premiere Date: September 29.

WATCH: TRAILER

Top 5 Movies by Gareth Edwards:

1. “Monsters” (2010)

– A breakout hit, “Monsters” showcases Edwards’ talent for blending intimate human drama with towering sci-fi spectacles. Set in a world recovering from an alien invasion, it’s a poignant tale of love amidst chaos.

2. “Rogue One” (2016)

– Edwards helms this epic Star Wars installment, seamlessly integrating new characters with the beloved original trilogy. It’s a testament to his ability to navigate complex narratives on a grand scale.

3. “End Day” (2005)

– This BBC docudrama marked Edwards’ entry into the world of speculative storytelling. Presenting five doomsday scenarios, it set the stage for his later exploration of dystopian futures.

4. “The Creator” (2023)

– Edwards’ latest venture, “The Creator,” immerses audiences in a future fraught with AI warfare. While not without its challenges, it boldly tackles pertinent questions about the role of artificial intelligence in our lives.

5. Potential Future Project

– As Edwards continues to push the boundaries of speculative cinema, audiences eagerly anticipate his next cinematic endeavor, poised to be another thought-provoking addition to his illustrious filmography.

“The Creator” stands as a testament to Gareth Edwards’ unyielding vision and his penchant for exploring the frontiers of speculative cinema.

While it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of AI, it occasionally falters in navigating its intricate narrative.

As we peer into this cinematic crystal ball, we’re left with a stark question: Will artificial intelligence be our beacon of hope, or will it cast a shadow over humanity’s future? Only time will unveil the answer.

We Can’t Thank You Enough For Your Support!

— By Cindy Porter

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Energize Your Property Value: The Surge In Demand For Home EV Charging Points

By Raza H. Qadri (ALI)

In a rapidly evolving real estate landscape, home electric vehicle (EV) charging points have emerged as a coveted feature. Here, we will explore the surge in demand for these charging stations and their potential to transform property value desirability.

Surge in Demand:

Estate agents are witnessing an unprecedented uptick in requests for properties equipped with EV charging points. Rightmove reports a staggering 592% increase in listings mentioning EV chargers since 2019. This summer, Jackson-Stops even incorporated EV charging points into their top-ten must-have property features for the first time.

Adding Value To Property:

Integrating electric vehicle (EV) charging points into residential properties has become a key factor in boosting their market value. According to insights from the National Association of Property Buyers, homes equipped with EV charging facilities can see an uptick in value ranging from £3,000 to £5,000. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable features in real estate. Rightmove’s Greener Homes report highlights a remarkable 40% surge in listings mentioning EV chargers in comparison to the previous year. Such statistics underscore the significance of these installations as a sought-after feature among buyers.

Beyond the potential increase in property value, homeowners can reap substantial benefits from dedicated EV charging points. These specialized units offer significantly faster charging speeds compared to standard three-pin plugs. With an output of 32 amps/7kw, a dedicated charger can provide up to 28 miles per hour of charging, a substantial improvement over the 9 miles offered by a standard plug.

Moreover, safety considerations play a pivotal role. Standard domestic sockets may not be designed for prolonged high-output usage, potentially leading to overheating and related wiring issues.

Therefore, the integration of a dedicated EV charging point not only adds tangible value to a property but also ensures a safer and more efficient charging experience for homeowners and their electric vehicles.

Benefits Beyond Convenience:

Dedicated charge points offer benefits beyond convenience. According to James McKemey from Pod Point, these units deliver significantly faster charging speeds compared to standard three-pin plugs. Safety considerations also come into play, as standard domestic sockets may not be built for prolonged high-output usage.

Cost-Efficiency:

Charging an EV at home proves more cost-effective than relying on public charging stations. Smart charging capabilities enable homeowners to take advantage of lower rates, typically offered during off-peak hours, such as at night.

Charger prices vary, ranging from approximately £300 to over £1,000, with installation costs potentially adding another £400 to £600.

Solar Integration:

Solar integration presents a game-changing opportunity for homeowners seeking both environmental sustainability and financial benefits. The global solar energy capacity reached an astounding 793 gigawatts (GW), illuminating the rapid adoption of this renewable energy source.

For homeowners, integrating solar panels with an electric vehicle (EV) charging point can lead to substantial savings. On average, a standard solar panel system costs around £6,000 to £7,000 per kWp (kilowatt peak), with the typical installation size being 4kWp. This equates to an initial investment of approximately £24,000 to £28,000.

However, the return on investment is impressive. Solar panels can generate roughly 3,200 kWh (kilowatt-hours) per year for a 4kWp system in the UK. With the average cost of electricity sitting at 16.1p per kWh, homeowners can save approximately £515 annually on energy bills.

Moreover, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme allows homeowners to earn money by exporting excess electricity back to the grid. As of September 2021, the SEG offers rates ranging from 1.79p to 5.24p per kWh. Over the course of 20 years, a solar panel system can generate savings of over £10,000, demonstrating the substantial financial benefits of solar integration. This trend is expected to surge further as advancements in solar technology continue to drive down installation costs and boost energy production.

Regulations and Grants:

Regulations surrounding EV charging point installations vary, particularly for listed buildings, which require planning permission for wall-mounted units. However, for flat owners, renters, and landlords with off-street parking, there’s an opportunity to benefit from government grants.

These grants provide a substantial subsidy, offering £350 or covering 75% of the total installation cost, whichever is lower. This incentive has spurred a surge in installations, with a notable uptick in applications over the past year.

In fact, according to recent data, the number of approved grant applications for EV charging points has risen by an impressive 68% compared to the previous year. This demonstrates a growing recognition of the value and importance of these installations in both residential and rental properties.

Renting Out Your Charging Point:

Renting out your EV charging point also presents a compelling opportunity for homeowners to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure.

According to recent market trends, the number of registered electric vehicles worldwide surpassed 14 million in 2023, marking a significant milestone. With projections indicating an annual growth rate of 29% – 34% for the global electric vehicle market, the need for accessible charging solutions is set to skyrocket. In the UK alone, the number of electric vehicles on the road has tripled over the last three years, reaching over 857,000 at the end of 2023.

This surge in EV ownership underscores the potential market for homeowners looking to rent out their charging points. Platforms like JustPark and Co Charger facilitate this process by connecting drivers in need of charging with available charging stations.

By participating in this shared economy, homeowners not only contribute to the expansion of EV infrastructure but also stand to generate a supplementary income stream. This symbiotic relationship between EV owners and charging point hosts aligns with the broader shift towards sustainable transportation solutions.

WATCH: EV CHARGING & OPPORTUNITIES

Finally, we can conclude that the surge in demand for properties with EV charging points signals a shifting paradigm in real estate. With added convenience, cost-efficiency, and potential for monetization, these installations are poised to become a cornerstone of future property value and desirability.

We Can’t Thank You Enough For Your Support!

— By Raza H. Qadri | Science, Technology & Business Contributor “THE VOICE OF EU”

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