Top Othe Ra and David Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Top Othe Ra got off the mark in great style when pulling clear in the closing stages of the maiden bumper at Galway.
Tom Mullins' charge had plenty of experience coming into this, having his tenth run in a bumper today (12th in all), and he was returning to Ballybrit for the second time this week having been third on the opening day.
David Mullins, son of the trainer and riding in his mother Helen's colours, settled the 11/2 shot behind the leaders before launching his challenge at the two furlong pole.
The Whitmore's Conn gelding stayed on strongly down the straight to record a six-length success over Film Director
It was a second winner for 17-year-old David Mullins and his first for his father.
“After all the races he's had he's won well there at a festival meeting,” said Mullins senior of the winner.
“He got a grand ride and the race worked out well for him. He was bough for just €2,000 at the August sale at Fairyhouse two years ago.
“He'll go back hurdling before the real winter starts. I'd say he's grown up and got a bit stronger more than anything.”
There was drama mid-race with front-runner Sukiyaki ducking out through the rail six furlongs from home, under Katie Walsh. Luckily the only damage was to the plastic railings. Miller Of Glanmire was sent off the 2/1 favourite but came under pressure before the straight and could only keep on one paced in fifth.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
