Friends wins bumper finale for Team Mullins

Willie Mullins ended an eight-race losing spell stretching to July 4 by winning Wexford's concluding Mercedes-Benz Mares Bumper today, as newcomer Friends (4/6f) scored under the champion trainer's son Patrick Mullins.

The Mahler-mare chased the leaders, gradually wore down her rivals in the home straight and won by a going-away length-and-three-parts from Ma Bess

It was Mullins senior's 16th bumper success from 23 runs this season and Mullins junior, who leads the jockeys' championship, reported “she was a little bit green when we quickened down the hill but once the penny dropped, she came back on the bridle turning in.

“She is by Mahler, she stays very well and loved that good ground. I'm not sure what the plan will be going forward but it's great for the Lion's Mouth Racing Club who've had other horses with us, like Rebel Og and Coole Og.

"She will stay going for the summer and I don't think she is a winter mare. I don't think heavy, wet ground would suit as she is not over big, but has an engine."

Quotes from Donal Murphy