Cheltenham favourite Getabird made to work

Getabird remains favourite for the Champion bumper at Cheltenham after making it two from two in bumpers in the finale at Gowran Park today.

The 1/10 shot completed a four-timer for Willie Mullins on the day when coming out on top of a sprint finish to the two-mile PJ Foley Memorial Flat Race.

Patrick Mullins has his mount to the fore throughout and he had to engage top gear when tackled by Hardline over a furlong from home.

The Rich Ricci-owned gelding responded well in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-quarter success.

Paddy Power left the winner unchanged at 9/2 favourite for the Cheltenham bumper.

“It was a good performance considering that they went slow and it ended up a sprint finish,” said

Mullins.

“We know he has stamina from Fairyhouse and we know he has speed from here.

“He’s improving all the time I think and he’ll go straight now to Cheltenham.

“Patrick said he galloped the whole way to the line in Fairyhouse so it was a good performance to actually sprint like the way they sprinted there, giving away weight.

“The second horse got a tow the whole way and the race was run to suit him. He pulled out and Patrick was still able to go away from him from the front which was a good sign in a bumper horse I think.”