Mr Diablo is driven out under Katie Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Mr Diablo in a first time hood, landed a gamble as he took the bumper at Punchestown, the Representatives Supporting Kildare GAA Flat Race, scoring easily under Katie Walsh for Philip Dempsey.
The son of Presenting was 20/1 this morning, but opened on-course at half those odds, before being backed into 13/2 at the off.
He ran well on his previous two efforts in bumpers, and he wasn’t beaten far on his debut behind Lieutenant Colonel over the course and distance last November.
He was last seen running over hurdles at Fairyhouse in January, finishing seventh of twenty-two behind Waxies Dargle.
Back in the bumper today he was prominent throughout, improving into second before the straight, challenging the long-time leader Draco over two furlongs out.
He quickly overtook that rival in the early straight, and he soon went clear when ridden, going on to score easily by thirteen lengths. Sir Scorpion who went off the 9/4 favourite (from 3/1), won the battle for second under David Mullins for his father Tom, while Blueberry Hill (20/1) ran on well to finish third, just a neck back under Steven Clements for Jim Dreaper.
Philip Dempsey, who has recently acquired new gallops, said afterwards: "He had some good runs in the winter, and he was very impressive there. He has always showed plenty at home.
“He is by Presenting so the better ground probably helped.”
The winner was bought back for €15,000 as a yearling at Tattersalls in November 2010, and he is a full-brother to Honours Graduate who won a bumper at the Galway Festival in 2009 for Paul Gilligan.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
