The Mullins juggernaut cranked into top gear to make it three in a row on day four of the Festival as Patrick broke his duck for the week on Morning Run in the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Fillies Scheme Fillies Premier Bumper at Punchestown.

In a rough race second favourite Queen Alphabet (eventually 5th) was blocked in her run at a crucial stage whilst unfortunately one of the other Mullins runners, Cleeves Steeple was reportedly a fatality after pulling up.

First-timer Morning Run showed a commendable attitude as she battled back when headed by Carrigmoorna Rock in the final furlong, to score by a length and a half. Crofton Trail stayed on well for the third spot, a length and a quarter adrift.

Earlier on the mark with Vautour and Arctic Fire Willie Mullins explained: "She'd been showing a bit at home all the time.

"You never know what's in these sort of races but she ground it out well.

"I thought she was beaten a furlong out but Patrick said when he changed his stick she went away again.

"We'll look for a winners bumper. If not she'll go jumping and she'll continue during the summer."

The Stewards requested a report from Mr. N. McParlan, rider, into the fall of Degenerous approximately six furlongs from home. The rider reported that the field tightened up at this point and he clipped a heel and came down. Having considered the report and viewed a recording of the race, the Stewards took no further action.

(GC & EM)