Tullyhill eases to effortless win in finale

Tullyhill barely had to come off the bridle when making an impressive winning debut for Willie Mullins and owners Cheveley Park Stud in the concluding 'Doc's Bumper' at Gowran Park.

A point-to-point winner at Moira for previous trainer Colin McKeever in October, the grey travelled easily throughout this contest and never really had to be asked a question.

Patrick Mullins was content to sit mid division for much of the race, allowing his mount move closer as the leaders faltered over half a mile out. Getting to the front early in the straight, the gelding coasted home to win easily.

“He's a real decent horse and a horse that I've been trying to get out all spring,” said Willie Mullins.

“I was hoping to qualify him for Cheltenham but he just wasn't right and we waited. The Doc's bumper came up and we decided to nominate him for this bumper.

“I think he's championship class. We'll look for a winners' bumper, whether we wait for Punchestown or go for one before that.

“He's from the top drawer and is another nice horse for Cheveley Park, I think.

“He's a horse we were looking forward to and we'll look forward to seeing him again after that performance.

“He'd actually prefer better ground but he is a big heavy unit too.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson