James's Gate © Photo Healy Racing
The 2/5 favourite James’s Gate easily landed the bumper on debut in the hands of Patrick Mullins.
The Shantou gelding made all the running and relaxed well in front. Still travelling well turning for home with a quarter of a mile left to race, he readily went clear to beat Secret Artist and Any Road by eight lengths and half a length.
Paddy Power make the winner a 12/1 chance (from 33s) for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
After Ciel De Neige in the second, it was a double on the day for winning trainer Willie Mullins who said: "He's a tremendous addition to Sean and Bernardine Mulryan's group of horses.
“He was bought from Pat Doyle, on his recommendation, and I'm very pleased for him as well. He looks as good as Pat thinks he is.
“I'd imagine he'll go for the Cheltenham bumper and we'll look forward to coming back here as well for the festival bumper here.”
(GC & MN)
