The well touted Mercurey powered clear inside the final furlong to make an impressive debut for Willie Mullins in the concluding bumper at Gowran Park this afternoon.

Rich Ricci's gelding had been the subject of good reports in recent weeks and went to post a 3/10 shot on his racecourse bow.

Patrick Mullins had the Muhtathir gelding to the fore throughout in the two-miler and he travelled sweetly turning for home as Douglas Dc came under pressure to stay with him.

The hotpot was asked for his effort over a furlong out and really hit his stride in the closing stages as he quickened up to put the race to bed, securing a 13-length victory. Tiger Bay Queen making her debut for Peter Fahey, chased home the easy winner.

Mullins said afterwards:- “He shows me that at home. He was very impressive there and we’ll see where we go with him now.

“He’s only four and I’m not sure that I want to go to Cheltenham with him. We’ll have a word with connections and see how he comes out of that race.

“He could possibly go for the winners race in Limerick and go on then to Punchestown.

“There were some well thought of horses behind him and he left them for dead after making his own running.

“He is a huge prospect for jumping. He’s got size and scope and is by the right sire. He’s a nice one to look forward to.”

Betfair and Paddy Power made the winner 9/2 from 10/1 for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)