Pompey Ventures have reached an important point in their development with the decision to send their latest recruit, Kingmaker, to Closutton under the care of Willie Mullins.
It marks the syndicate’s first full move into Irish jumps racing and reflects a growing confidence behind the scenes.
The plan is not a short-term one. Kingmaker has been bought with longevity in mind, with the aim of offering owners a horse who can provide interest across several seasons and, a mix of both Flat and jumps opportunities.
After building a solid base on the Flat in Britain, this move feels like a logical extension rather than a sudden change of direction.
From Flat foundations to jumps plans
Pompey Ventures have made steady progress on the Flat through partnerships with trainers such as Ollie Sangster and George Boughey. Results have been encouraging, but just as important has been the rise in owner interest. Over time, that interest has included a clear appetite for a National Hunt horse.
Rather than rushing into the jumps market, the syndicate took time to identify the right type. The aim was to find a horse with scope, soundness, and the ability to adapt to Irish training, rather than simply adding a jumps runner for the sake of it.
Kingmaker ticked those boxes. Purchased for 55,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale, he came from Andrew Balding’s yard with a profile that suggested more was to come. A strong, well-made three-year-old, he looked the sort who could take well to hurdling once given time.
Kingmaker’s racing background
Kingmaker arrives in Ireland with a solid grounding on the Flat. He ran 11 times, finishing second on four occasions and third once, often finding himself involved late without quite getting his head in front. Those efforts point to reliability and attitude, qualities that tend to stand up well when horses change codes.
His final Flat run came at Kempton in October 2025 and was arguably his best. He made eye-catching progress from two furlongs out, stayed on strongly, and closed to within three quarters of a length of the winner. He did so despite losing a shoe during the race, which only added to the merit of the run.
That performance underlined why Pompey Ventures felt he was worth backing as a jumps prospect rather than viewing his maiden status as a negative.
Why Willie Mullins and Closutton fit the brief
Sending Kingmaker to Closutton places him in one of the most competitive training environments in the sport. Willie Mullins has built a reputation not just on volume of winners, but on his ability to improve horses who arrive from different backgrounds.
Mullins’ Grand National record speaks for itself. He trained Hedgehunter to win the race in 2005, then followed up with victories for I Am Maximus in 2024 and Nick Rockett in 2025, with further near misses and placed efforts along the way.
For a syndicate entering Irish jumps racing for the first time, that depth of experience offers reassurance. The yard provides a clear route through novice hurdles, with patience and structure, which suits a horse like Kingmaker who is expected to improve with time.
Early signs have been positive. Since arriving at Closutton, Kingmaker has settled well, with regular updates shared through the owners’ group chat, including feedback from Patrick Mullins. A first yard visit is planned for February, giving owners a proper introduction to life in an Irish jumps yard.
A syndicate built around access and involvement
Pompey Ventures remains a small UK-based syndicate, with a strong emphasis on genuine share ownership and direct contact. Shares represent real equity, starting from 2.5 percent, with owners receiving their share of prize money and any future resale value.
The operation is hands-on. Partners are visible on race days, active in group chats, and easy to contact. Communication is frequent and informal, with updates shared through messages, photos, and videos rather than filtered through layers of management.
Stable visits, race day badges, and open discussions around plans are part of the experience. At least one partner is usually present when a horse runs, which helps owners feel supported rather than left on the sidelines.
Ownership options that stay flexible
Alongside smaller shares, Pompey Ventures also offers larger options, including half shares or full ownership split between friends. This flexibility has appealed to both newcomers and experienced owners, allowing people to choose a level that suits their budget and confidence.
Feedback from within the group often points to the same themes. Owners value the relaxed atmosphere, the honesty around decisions, and the feeling of being part of a shared project rather than a number in a large spreadsheet.
Looking ahead with Kingmaker
With Flat runner Oliver Show set to spend the winter racing in Bahrain, Kingmaker now carries Pompey Ventures’ colours into a different side of the sport. The hope is that he can make his mark in the Irish novice hurdle scene and remain in training long enough to give owners a proper story to follow.
If Kingmaker fulfils his early promise, he may yet take his owners to some of the biggest days on the calendar, including Aintree. For now, the focus is on patience, progress, and letting the horse write the next chapter.
