Munny makes big statement in bumper

William Munny made it two from two with an electric turn of foot inside the final furlong to land the concluding BetVictor Bumper at Naas this afternoon.

The free-running Wingmen the even-money favourite, took them along and was joined by Fleur In The Park passing the two pole.

Finny Maguire's mount soon closed stylishly behind that pair and Barry Connell's charge cruised up to dispute entering the final furlong.

He was asked for an effort in the last 150 yards and soon settled matters, sprinting away to record a five-length win over Fleur In The Park.

The 13/2 winner had made a winning debut at Navan last month with a narrow success over C'est Ta Chance.

Connell said afterwards:- “I’m astonished the price this horse went off. I thought he should have been even money favourite on the back of his form.

“The horse of Willie’s that he beat the last day was backed as if money was going out of fashion and they were clear of the rest.

“He’s hardly having a blow there and it was like a piece of work.

“He’s very unusual for a Westerner as they normally don’t win bumpers, they improve when they get a hurdle and a fence.

“I’m definitely not taking him to Cheltenham. I don’t like giving them more than two runs in winners bumpers but I’m going to bring this lad to Punchestown for the Champion Bumper, and I think he’s the one to beat in it. In my view he’s the best bumper horse in the country.

“His work has been very good since in won in Navan.

“I’m hoping he’ll be a Grade 1 horse over a hurdle next year.

“Finny Maguire gets very limited opportunities but in my view he’s a fantastic rider. The best bumper rider in the country by a mile. I think he’s had five rides for me this year and four winners.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)