Bally Strengthens Mullins' Bumper Hand

Willie Mullins unleashed yet another smart bumper prospect when Ballytrim won the thurlesraces.ie INH Flat Race at Thurles.

Mullins already has Shady Willow and Equus Maximus at the forefront of the betting for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and now he has another one to add to the list.

Ridden confidently by Katie Walsh, brother of top jockey Ruby, the 9-10 favourite led throughout to win by 25 lengths from Corbetstown Duck.

Cashmans now make it just 2-1 that Mullins wins the race for an unprecedented sixth time.

The same firm clipped the Violet O'Leary-owned gelding into 7-1 from 10-1 for the Cheltenham race.

'That's a lot better than anything he has shown us at home,' said Mullins.

'He keeps a fair bit for himself at home but that is a good sign really. I prefer horses who do their talking on the track.

'Katie was delighted with him, she said she pressed the button turning in and he took off. He can go at that pace all day and we will go straight to Cheltenham with him now.

'Katie will definitely ride one of them at Cheltenham, but we will make plans nearer the time.'

? PA Sport