Well-backed Sunni wins the bumper Sunni May denied Willie Mullins of a five-timer as he got the better of the odds-on favourite Some Neck in the concluding Leopardstown Club Membership (Pro/Am) Flat Race. Second on his debut in the Tattersalls Ireland Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse in April of last year, the son of Presenting was fourth on his next start in November, again at the Co Meath venue. Lucky Pass, Avellino and Any Drama occupied the first three positions on that occasion, and they have all won since. Available at 6/1 in a place this morning, the Jessica Harrington trained victor opened on-course at 5/1 before going off a 10/3 chance in the colours of the Favourites Racing Syndicate. Settled in mid-division by Kate Harrington he took closer order to track the leaders on the approach to the straight. He was ridden to go in pursuit of the leader Some Neck from two furlongs out, getting to the front with 200 yards to race before keeping on well to score by a length and three parts. Some Neck had to settle for second under Patrick Mullins, while Smooth River (33/1) finished a further five and a half lengths back in third under Steven Crawford for his brother Stuart. Jessica Harrington said afterwards: "He was a bit fresh first time out this year, and he has got a bit hardier. He won't be going hurdling till next year, and he won't go to Cheltenham but he could go to Aintree or Punchestown. "He will be a much better horse on better ground. I was worried today because the ground was so horrible." STEWARDS REPORT * Mr S. Crawford, rider of Smooth River trained by S.R.B. Crawford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly to the right during this race. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
