First son of high-class chaser Pomme Tiepy set for bumper debut

Pomme Tiepy, the first of many big-race winners for jumps owner Rich Ricci, will likely see the first of her sons in action on Thursday as Mortal is declared for the closing bumper at Limerick (5pm).

The 14-year-old daughter of Apple Tree began her career with Philippe Lefevre who had made her into a useful jumper in France, before transferring to the care of Willie Mullins.

Pomme Tiepy won on her first four starts for the master trainer and was still travelling well when she fell in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival.

Despite only winning once more in her career, she put in some highly creditable runs finishing third in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown and fifth in the 2009 Irish Grand National.

Mortal, a five-year-old son of King's Theatre, is trained by Joseph O'Brien for Gigginstown House Stud.

He was the third top lot at the Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale when sold by Cleaboy Stud and Coppice Farm for €75,000 to Ben Case.

Case trains for Lady Jane Grosvenor who sold him on to Bobby O'Ryan as a three-year-old store for €100,000 at the 2015 Derby Sale.

Pomme Tiepy has produced four more foals including a two-year-old colt and a yearling colt, both by Milan.

Mortal, who will wear a tongue-strap, is one of six newcomers in the eight-runner field. Zen Master, a Shantou brother to the useful hurdler Touch Back, is another well-bred runner in what is otherwise a weak contest.

5:00 Limerick