Westport Cove and Patrick Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
There were early high jinks from 4/5 favourite Westport Cove in Fairyhouse's concluding Racing January 19th Bumper today before the impressive newcomer knuckled down, providing trainer Willie Mullins with a treble.
The Cathal Hughes-owned five year old was green and keen in the early stages, pulling his way to lead after the first bend, but soon settled in front and eventually beat Faulty by three lengths.
Winning jockey Patrick Mullins said “he won despite fighting me for the first half-mile. Usually a horse that does that doesn't finish the race but the fact that he did finish is a testament to his ability.
“I think he's significantly better than the bare form and when he learns to race, could be a very good horse.
“He handled that ground fine but it's fresh ground, it's not very deep so he got through it fine. I wouldn't call it proper winter ground, funnily enough. I think he'll handle good ground as well.”
Trainer Mullins was earlier successful with impressive winners Blood Destiny and Flame Bearer which won cumulatively by 56 lengths, under Paul Townend.
Quotes from Gary Carson
