Bubbles takes the opener Call Me Bubbles opened his jumping account in impressive fashion when taking the opening juvenile maiden hurdle at Navan this afternoon. Willie Mullins' charge had disappointed on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown over Christmas but left that run well behind. Paul Townend always had his mount prominent and he took over in the lead at the fourth flight. Boss's Star and Courage tried to peg back the well backed 11/8 favourite (5/2 in morning) in the straight but couldn't live with the French-bred gelding as he quickened smartly in the closing stages. The winner showed a good turn of foot on the run-in to go on for a cosy five-length victory. Courage kept on into second while Boss's Star just held on for third, from Hurricane Sky, as he faded. “He jumped a lot better today and he stayed well,” said Mullins. “He'll probably go to Fairyhouse and he'll resume his Flat career at some stage.” Call Me Bubbles had been progressive on the level last summer, winning twice. (Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
