Caviar impresses in bumper Willie Mullins rarely leaves empty-handed these days, and the champion trainer teamed up with son Patrick to take the bumper with the odds-on Royal Caviar. Bought out of the Martin Lynch yard after an impressive win on his only point start at Castletown-Geoghegan, the Vinnie Roe gelding was sent off the 8/15 favourite. Those who supported the hot favourite had few worries as Patrick rode him with plenty of confidence, and waited until the furlong marker before asking for an effort. The reaction was instant as the five-year-old gelding soon drew clear to beat Lord Scoundrel by six and a half lengths, with Masterofdeception in third. Willie Mullins said, “He’s a fine big chasing type, and I was pleased that he could go on that ground because it’s turned quite slow. On his pedigree I thought he might want better ground but he’s such a strong horse he handled that. “I’d imagine he’ll go for a winners’ bumper. Patrick said he pulled quite hard and was afraid that he didn’t settle well enough but he showed plenty of toe.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
