Jackie and Patrick Mullins with Carter McKay© Photo Healy Racing
Carter McKay and Next Destination bid to give Willie Mullins a ninth success in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham today.
It is 21 years since the County Carlow maestro trained and rode Wither or Which to victory in the Grade One contest and he has since struck gold with the likes of Florida Pearl (1997), Cousin Vinny (2008), Champagne Fever (2012) and, most recently, Briar Hill (2013).
The trainer's son Patrick Mullins was victorious aboard Cousin Vinny and Champagne Fever and this year gets the leg up on likely favourite Carter McKay, who has been hugely impressive at Leopardstown and Naas in Sheikh Fahad's Pearl Bloodstock colours.
Next Destination, the mount of Ruby Walsh, won readily on his sole bumper start to date at Fairyhouse and Mullins junior believes there is not as much between the pair as the betting suggests.
He said: "Ballyward pulled a muscle and obviously Getabird got injured, so that cut the team in half.
" Carter McKay won very impressively at Naas and has travelled over well. I think he's the right sort of horse for the race - he has the right blend of stamina and speed. Hopefully he has a big chance.
"Next Destination has improved hugely in his work since Fairyhouse. He reminds me very much of Briar Hill in that he's not flashy, but he stays galloping.
"I think he's probably a little bit underrated."
A formidable Irish challenge also includes Jessica Harrington's Someday the Mags Mullins-trained Debuchet Gordon Elliott's mare Fayonagh and Bakmaj from Alan Fleming's yard.
The latter was snapped up by leading owner Barry Connell after chasing home Carter McKay on his debut and he opened his account in some style back at Leopardstown in January.
Fleming said: "He won very easy the last day and we've been very happy with him since. The good ground will suit him and we're hoping he'll run very well.
"There should only be a length or two between him and Carter McKay."
Heading the home team is Western Ryder from Warren Greatrex's stable.
The five-year-old has had four runs, winning twice and finishing second twice, and Greatrex feels his experience is a big asset.
He said: "We're very happy with the horse and he's improving all the time. He came out of his last race at Newbury very well and I think the race will suit him. He must have a good chance, I suppose.
"He's had a few runs and knows what it's all about." Imperial Eloquence who carries the colours of Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander, makes his first appearance since filling the runner-up spot behind Western Ryder at Ascot in December.
Trainer Fergal O'Brien said: " He's done nothing wrong. He's won a bumper and placed in two Listed bumpers so I'm looking forward to him running. He's got rock-solid form."
