Minella Reception (left) is ridden out by James Carroll from Bonobo (left) and King Of Firth (centre)© Photo Healy Racing
On his seventh career start and his sixth in bumper company, Minella Reception got off the mark as he took the last at Listowel this afternoon, the Kerry Group Bumper for trainer John Nallen with James 'Corky' Carroll in the saddle.
The 6yo son of King's Theatre was sent off at 6/1 after finishing half a length second to Digenta on his last start at Cork in July. King Of Firth was sent off the 10/3 favourite under Patrick Mullins for trainer Mag Mullins and he took up the running with a mile left to race.
When pressed by the winner a furlong from home he had no answer as Minella Reception, who raced prominently throughout, stayed on well to draw clear inside the final furlong and score by a comfortable three and a quarter lengths. Bonobo ran on well to take second under Jamie Codd for Kevin Prendergast at 6/1 while King Of Firth had to settle for third a further two and a quarter lengths back.
Winning trainer and owner John Nallen said afterwards: "I'm not sure whether he will go for a winners bumper or a maiden hurdle next.
"He just gallops away and I'd say he is one we will hold on to as he has had his problems. There is a chance he could run again later this week."
The winner was purchased for €25,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt in 2006 by Nallen.
(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)
