Missed That Works Well At Leopardstown

Willie Mullins has a formidable record in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper and punters seem convinced he has the winner of this year´s renewal in the shape of Missed That.

The six-year-old, who runs in the colours of the great Florida Pearl, winner of the Cheltenham contest in 1997, worked impressively after racing at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Cashmans saw plenty of requests for their 7-1 afterwards and he was soon cut to 4-1. That wasn´t enough to stop his supporters, however, and he was trimmed to 3-1.

The Archie and Violet O´Leary-owned gelding worked under Ruby Walsh in company with Major Vernon, Our Ben, Mr Babbage and Rule Supreme, who also looked on good terms with himself and followed him home.

In another piece of work, the Dessie Hughes-trained reigning champion hurdler Hardy Eustace, in the hands of Conor O´Dwyer, came home just in front of stablemate Central House, who reportedly always works well.

And Pat Fahy´s Supreme Novices´ hope Publican, another ridden by Walsh, was very easy on the eye in his gallop with Arkle Trophy hope Mariah Rollins and Washington Lad.

The former is a 10-1 chance for the opening contest of the Festival, which gets under way on Tuesday week.