Unbridled epside 4: Rich Ricci talks Willie Mullins, unraced horses to follow, Lossiemouth and overruling trainer

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

Ricci recently celebrated his 100th Grade One victory as Royale Pagaille landed a second successive Betfair Chase at Haydock.

Over the years, his famous pink and green colours have been carried by some of the greats of the game, including Faugheen, Vautour and Annie Power, and his current stock looks just as smart, led by current Champion Hurdle favourite Lossiemouth as well as some exciting youngsters yet to hit the track.

Q) You've got two unraced horses from France - Riskabahia and Sainte Lucie - how are they looking?

"Riskabahia is a horse we think a lot of! She's doing everything right at home and I think she'll be out soon. I think she's quite promising.

"Sainte Lucie is a nice three-year-old and she'll probably start around Christmas time. They're two nice ones.

"I've also got Gaelic Warrior's full brother. He's not named yet but he's four-years-old and you'll see him in the Spring in a bumper probably.

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

"He's a gorgeous looking thing, we just need to come up with a name for him. He's exciting I think."

Q) Are you keeping the faith with Willy De Houelle for the Triumph Hurdle after defeat at Fairyhouse?

"I took 20/1 right after the race. His form in France is very good and on the day they went way too fast. He'll improve for that and Willie is very confident that if the race was run again, he'd win.

"I haven't lost confidence in him yet so let's see what he does next time out, probably at Christmas."

Q) You've had great moments in the sport, but Royale Pagaille's second Betfair Chase win seemed to be right up there, didn't it?

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

"I also love the horse and the way he won the race was brilliant. I love Haydock. It's a great course and the people are terrific."

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

"Annie Power one. Then Lossiemouth, just because she hasn't accomplished what Annie Power has yet. Vroum Vroum Mag third then Benie Des Dieux."

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

"On talent - Vautour, Douvan and then Faugheen."

Q) What is it that you love so much about owning racehorses?

"The thrill is the competition. 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 also love horses, they're beautiful things. There's nothing more majestic than seeing someone like a Paddy Brennan jump the seven railway fences down the back of Sandown."

Q) What's the most emotional moment you have had in racing?

"Annie Power winning the Champion Hurdle."

Q) Have you ever overruled Willie Mullins?

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

"And probably a few times on whether to travel a horse somewhere or not."

Q) You've got a great rapport with racegoers, why is that so important to you?

"I owe racing a lot and if people can be bothered to take the time to ask me for a selfie, have a chat or a pint, then I feel obligated to do it.

"Racing people have always been very nice to me and I like being in the mix. These people make the sport what it is."

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

"The sport is clearly facing some very serious issues, systemic and fundamental ones.

"The challenges around problem gambling are real. Yet, when I go to somewhere like Australia, they are much more creative in dealing with those kind of things. It's highly regulated but they enjoy a punt and the industry in booming.

"No one asks me where my money comes from when I buy a horse at the sales but if I'm going to have a bet and lose £1,000 they want to see all my financial records so I pretty much stopped punting."