My Great Mate (nearest) and Patrick Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins completed a Punchestown double today as his keen-going My Great Mate (10/11f) gained a second bumper success in the concluding Lengthen Odds At BetVictor Bumper.
Ridden by his son Patrick Mullins - an early faller on Mr Spex in Sunday's Velka Pardubicka, grey My Great Mate was strongly pressed by runner-up Fleur In The Park in the closing stages of today's race but held on well for a head win.
The successful Temple Bloodstock Syndicate, run by ex-amateur rider Aubrey McMahon, was recording a winner with their first runner and Mullins senior stated “it’s a nice new team of people and it was a very brave performance from the horse, having been so keen during the race.
“If he got beaten today I was happy to go over hurdles but we may give him a break now and come back after Christmas for another bumper. We could wait as he’s only four and keep him a novice over hurdles until next season.”
Mullins' Hercule Du Seuil was earlier successful in a Grade 3 novice chase.
Quotes from Alan Magee
