Following on from El Barra The West Awaits (Cork), Echoes In Rain and Janidil earlier, Dark Raven was a fifth Easter Sunday winner for Willie Mullins when landing the Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse.

Beginning for Isaac Souede and Simon Munir after triumphing at Leopardstown on debut last month for Paddy McCormack, Dark Raven was a 4/7 shot for this 100,000 Euro assignment under Mullins’ son Patrick (1 up on Jamie Codd in the battle to be champion amateur).

He ultimately achieved success by a convincing eleven lengths over Itso Fury

“He surprised us in Leopardstown to do what he did and today he confirmed that wasn’t a fluke,” said Mullins senior.

“Patrick said he was very green and got a few knocks at the start and got pushed back. He knew there was plenty in the tank but he was really green which surprised Patrick having had the run before.

“It just shows you when a horse gets a bang they can be afraid.

“He’s a lovely horse to look forward to going jumping next year. We might go to Punchestown for the Champion Bumper — we’ll see how he comes out of this and have a look at it.”

(AM & EM)