Stone Hard wins under Patrick Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Champion Trainer Willie Mullins completed a high profile treble at Gowran today when his Gigginstown House Stud owned Stone Hard routed a five runner field in the concluding P.J. Foley Memorial Bumper.
Ridden by the trainer's son Patrick Mullins, the 4/11 favourite shook off all challengers entering the home straight and at the line, held a 14 lengths advantage over Shady Rondo with Stone Hard's stablemate Rio's Treasure further back in third.
Trainer Mullins, earlier twice successful in the featured Thyestes with Djakadam and in the opener with Dicosimo both ridden by stable jockey Ruby Walsh), later stated "he's improved hugely from his last run.
"He wasn't showing much and only came right just before his last run and he's improved away since. I think he's done enough to get the ticket (to the Cheltenham Bumper).
"I'm not worried about better ground for him; he's got a lovely long stride, and I love the way he can gallop.
"I was also happy with Rio Treasure and we'll have a bit of fun with her over the summer."
Regarding some of his other Cheltenham Bumper candidates, he added "there are still a few winners' bumpers to come and Up For Review could run in one of those. Bordini has done his bit and won't need another run. I said after he won on Sunday that Balko Des Flos could go to Cheltenham but we have decided to go for the four-year-old race at Limerick with him."
Stone Hard was introduced at 12/1 with Paddy Power for the Cheltenham Bumper.
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
