Willie Mullins withdrew his other runner, Dunbrovic during the day from the bumper, owing to the change in ground conditions and on his first ride back after breaking his collar-bone in the Grand National, Patrick had the perfect return ahead of Punchestown on his father's Thewesthowaya in the concluding Riverfest Flat Race at Limerick.
Those that supported the first-time out daughter of Fruits Of Love from 9/4 into 15/8 never had too many worries and once the six-year-old led on the bridle over two furlongs out the contest was quickly over. She eased clear to beat Tellherimhere (her rider Ambrose McCurtin got a 3 day ban for excessive frequency) with any amount in hand by twelve lengths.
Mullins senior said: "She's been in training for a while now and she's been immature so that's why she hasn't raced until now. It's great that our patience paid off. Patrick thinks she's good enough to go for a winners bumper now. She likes good ground and she'll be kept going for the summer."
Winning owner Martin Brennan is from Westport and he said: "This is my first runner with Willie. She is from a good family. I own the West Bar is Westport. Howaya is a popular greeting in Westport and that's where the name comes from."
