Getabird beats Hardline© Photo Healy Racing
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.”
