Rathvawn Belle (David Mullins up) with owner Jimmy Barcoe© Photo Healy Racing
For once bookmakers warmly greeted a Mullins bumper winner, but this time it was left to 16 year old David Mullins to steer unconsidered 33/1 newcomer Rathvawn Belle to win the Goffs Punchestown Invitational Sale Bumper at Punchestown today.
Mullins' illustrious uncle Willie Mullins had 1/2f Sizing Brisbane in the race but that gelding faded in the straight, finishing fourth. The winner, a daughter of Luso, had been held up in rear in the race before making good headway to eventually lead over a furlong out. From there teenager Mullins kept his mount going for a three and a quarter lengths win over Murtys Delight
Winning trained Dick Donohoe was not present for his 33/1 winner (paid 155/1 on the Tote) while Tom Mullins, proud father of the winning rider, mentioned that David rides out on his spare time at home.
The 33/1 winner rounded off a good day for bookmakers who also had two 20/1 winners to cheer.
Quotes from Alan Magee
