Photo opportunity as Mullins bids for third win in a row

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There are not many big races over the Christmas period in Ireland where Willie Mullins does not have a good record and the champion trainer will be bidding to continue his fine run in the feature chase at Limerick.

Al Boum Photo, a most impressive winner of a beginners' chase at Navan last month, leads the attack for Mullins, who is chasing his sixth win since 2008 in the Grade 2.

This contest has been a handy launchpad for subsequent Grade 1 performers in recent times. Sir Des Champs ran out a good winner for the Mullins stable in 2011, while Gilgamboa scored for Enda Bolger in 2014.

Mullins, whose latest wins in the race were achieved with Outlander and Bellshill in the past two runnings, said: “Al Boum Photo is a stayer and will like the ground and trip.”

He is also represented by Arbre De Vie, who will be partnered for the first time by Alexis Poirier.

Mullins added: “Arbre De Vie has loads of experience but realistically we're just hoping he'll run into the first three.

"Alexis takes the ride on him. He's based with Alain Couetil, a trainer in France who we've bought many horses off in the past. Alexis has been getting some experience in Ireland and has been with us for the past few months.”

Gordon Elliott has yet to land a blow in this contest but is strongly represented by last-time-out winners Tombstone and Dounikos, both owned by Gigginstown.

He said: “Tombstone and Dounikos are both in good form. They'll love the testing ground and the trip should be fine for them, but it does look a very competitive race.”

Gigginstown are also represented by the Mouse Morris-trained four-year-old Tout Est Permis, who will be partnered by Rachael Blackmore. Inis Meain, trained by Denis Hogan, completes the field.

High hopes for Ex Patriot

Rachael Blackmore will be reunited with Ex Patriot, last season's Triumph Hurdle fourth, in the 2m4f hurdle (1.05).

Trainer Ellmarie Holden is confident her stable star is back in top form. “We’ve had this race in mind for a while and we’re very hopeful of a nice run," she said.

“The trip, ground and track should all be fine and we’ve freshened him up for this. He’s run some big races for us this year and he’s in great form again.”

Paul Nolan has upwards of ten horses to run over the Christmas period and is hopeful Discorama, who claimed the scalp of Blow By Blow in a maiden hurdle this month, can make his presence felt in the same race.

He said: “He seems a nice horse and if he settles he should have a nice chance.”

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