Grey horse Joystick obliges in the finale© Photo Healy Racing
Joystick was steered home by Patrick Mullins to seal a treble in Leopardstown for his father Willie Mullins and six winners on the day.
The 11/8 favourite was closely attended by Bleu De Vassy and Blaze The Way inside the final half mile of the bumper.
Blazer The Way was first to crack as Bleu De Vassy attempted to serve it up to the leader racing to the final quarter of a mile. Another contender emerged in Artic Lane a furlong and a half down, though, and the pair were locked together with the spoils at their mercy entering the final furlong.
Joystick was always just in front and increased the lead to a length and a-quarter close home. The runner-up emerged with credit at 5/1 and was 25 lengths clear of third-placed Blaze The Way (12/1).
Willie Mullins said: “He was third in a point-to-point and we went down to see him at the Doyles. He’s a nice staying type and a real chaser in the making.
“He’s a real long-striding, old-fashioned chaser and a nice acquisition. He’ll stick with bumpers this season.”
Paddy Power trimmed Joystick from 20/1 to 14/1 for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
