Last Updated on January 26, 2026
Few young horses arrive with as much interest around their name as Davy Crockett. Still only four, he has put together a perfect start for Willie Mullins, winning all three of his outings and hinting that he could become a major part of the jumping scene in the years ahead.
The early signs are strong, but the real fascination sits in his background. He is out of Annie Power, one of the great mares of the modern era, and by Camelot, a classic-winning stallion with a growing influence in National Hunt breeding. Add in the support of owners John P McManus and Mrs John Magnier, and it is easy to see why followers of the sport are keeping close watch.
A Pedigree With Real Weight
Annie Power was a rare talent. She dominated mares races, won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, and retired as a hero of the Mullins yard.
Her first foals were always going to catch the eye, but Davy Crockett is the one who has made the biggest mark so far. His sire Camelot adds further depth. Camelot won the Derby and the Irish Derby and has built a strong record producing smart staying types. That blend gives Davy Crockett both strength and scope, as well as the resolve usually passed down from Annie Power’s line.
Breeding alone never guarantees a top horse. Plenty arrive with strong bloodlines and never make it past maiden company. What sets Davy Crockett apart so far is the way he has taken to racing. He shows the calm head and control expected from Mullins runners, and he has already handled different trips and tracks with ease.
Perfect Start On The Course
His race record reads three runs and three wins. One came in a National Hunt Flat race, the other two over hurdles. That mix offers a clear sign of progression. Horses often start in bumpers to learn the basics. Winning one is a useful sign, but what matters more is what they do when they move to obstacles.
His bumper win at Punchestown in June was tidy. He travelled well, moved to the front without pressure, and came home nine lengths clear of Maskarvel. The margin was impressive and the style was even more pleasing. He barely had to stretch to score.
From there he went to Galway in late July. This was his hurdle debut, always a key moment for any young jumper. Again he showed maturity for such an early stage of his career. He was sharp at his hurdles and kept up the gallop up the hill, beating Mick Collins by more than two lengths. It was a clean, convincing start to life over timber.
His most recent win came at Listowel over two miles. Sent off a short price under Paul Townend, he did exactly what he needed to do. He travelled handy, picked up in the home straight, and beat Arch Empire by four lengths. It was not a flashy run, but it was professional. Horses that keep backing up early wins with steady progress often turn into reliable graded-level types.
Why The Racing World Is Watching the Annie Power Foal
Davy Crockett is not just any unbeaten youngster. The connection to Annie Power carries huge interest for fans. She was the kind of mare that shaped a period of jumping. Her foals were always going to be followed with curiosity. That he is the first of them to shine on the track adds a bit of extra focus.
Then there is the ownership. John P McManus rarely buys into horses without long-term potential. His colours are carried by some of the biggest names in the sport.
Support from one of the most influential owners gives any horse a better chance of reaching the top, because it means the best trainers, riders, and plans will be in place. With Mullins in charge, Davy Crockett sits in the most successful National Hunt yard of the past decade.
Camelot as the sire adds another layer. He brings stamina and a clear record of producing steady, consistent jumpers. Many of his young horses grow stronger each season.
What His Early Wins Tell Us
The official ratings and race figures give a clear view of where he stands. His best Racing Post Rating of 133 over hurdles is high for a horse of his age with only two starts in the discipline. Youngsters often sit much lower at this stage.
More important is how he has won. None of his victories relied on a perfect setup or the mistakes of rivals. He travelled, jumped, and finished off his races with the kind of rhythm that good horses show.
The style is calm rather than frantic. He does not pull, he does not waste energy, and he does not need the race to fall into his lap. These are all signs of a horse that can climb through the ranks without being rushed.
Looking Ahead
What comes next is the question racing fans love. Mullins will likely choose a steady path, avoiding major tests too soon. A novice campaign through the winter looks likely, with the chance of stepping into graded races later in the season once he gains more experience. He has the pedigree to handle longer trips, so a move up in distance seems natural.
Final Thoughts
Davy Crockett has made the kind of start that sparks interest. Three wins from three, a champion mare as a dam, a classic sire, leading owners, and the top National Hunt trainer guiding him. Plenty can change, and young horses do not always progress in straight lines, but the early signs suggest this is a prospect worth following.
Fans who watched Annie Power rise to the top will feel a certain warmth seeing her son carry the next chapter.
He has already begun to shape his own path. The next few seasons will show how high he can rise, but for now he has done everything asked of him and looks every inch a young star.
For those watching his progress, there is also a notable entry ahead. He is set for the Leopardstown Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) on Saturday 27 December 2025, a race that should give a clear sense of where he stands among this season’s leading youngsters over obstacles.
