Willie Mullins mob-handed to extend phenomenal Champion Bumper record - but has his stable jockey picked the right one?

Willie Mullins will bid to enhance his phenomenal record in the Champion Bumper with five runners declared for Wednesday’s finale.

Mullins has won five of the last seven runnings, including a 1-2-3 in 2018, and in the recent years he’s failed to win the race (2019 and 2023), he’s saddled the runner-up. Therefore, assessing the main protagonists from his quintet is the obvious place to start.

Copacabana went straight to the top of the betting after his bumper success on testing ground at Navan last month. That performance got more convincing with every stride, and although the form took a knock when the fourth was a beaten favourite in a Thurles bumper last week, that hasn't put off Patrick Mullins, who gets first pick.

Another Mullins runner who has thrown his hat into the ring in recent weeks is Gameofinches, who won a Punchestown bumper hard held. He will be ridden by Paul Townend.

Both of those Mullins runners look like chasers in the making, which is often no bad thing with the likes of Cue Card and Envoi Allen on the roll of honour for this race. However, by 5.20 on Wednesday, there’s a suspicion that speed could come to the fore over stamina with no significant rain around.

One who may be suited by a speed test is Dan Skelton’s Dalston Lad, who has made all the running to win both his starts under rules.

The form of his Ayr success on good-to-soft ground has been boosted by the runner-up and third both landing bumpers since. His subsequent Aintree form doesn’t read quite as well, but we know he will handle conditions.

Gordon Elliott’s pair warrant respect. He has saddled the runner-up in two of the last three years, and he also trained 2021 winner Sir Gerhard in the build-up to this race before a stable switch shortly before Cheltenham.

This year, his two runners are both Gigginstown-owned. Kalypso’chance arrives with his unbeaten record intact, having followed up his point success with bumper wins at Punchestown and Navan. He finished his race off well to land a Listed race at Navan in December, an effort worth marking up, given he raced keenly for a portion of that race. A strongly run race could see him in an even better light if it helps him drop his head in the early stages.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

What they say

Patrick Mullins, jockey of Copacabana
It was a toss of a coin with Gameofinches, but I felt Copacabana's preparation was slightly better. Whether that makes a difference or not, I don't know. It looks like it could be another Ferny Hollow-Appreciate It showdown.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Dalston Lad and Fortune De Mer
Harry rides Fortune De Mer, who has been a little overlooked because he was beaten last time. He will be better suited by a faster-run race, has course form and the drying conditions are a big positive. Dalston Lad is two from two this year. He's a tough horse who I think will run nicely.

Gary Moore, joint-trainer of El Cairos
We're all very happy with him. He's scoped well, and his work has been very good. It's a case of if he's good enough to win a race like this, and he has his work cut out, but he couldn't have been more impressive at Newbury. He's had plenty of time to get over that, and we even think he could be a good Flat horse too.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of He Can't Dance and Kalypso'chance
Kalypso'chance is not flashy at all at home, but when you ask him for more there is always something there on the track. Jack [Kennedy] has picked him, and when he sat on him the other day, he was delighted. He's been hitting the line very well in his races and should go close. He Can't Dance will be much better suited to this than the race at Leopardstown. The faster they go, the better he will be. He's a lovely horse for the future.

Harry Fry, trainer of Idaho Sun
We couldn't be more pleased with him. He's done everything right in his career so far and has done nothing but improved in his two wins. He's a lovely horse and we hope he can continue going in the right way.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of No Drama This End
I hope the word soft appears in the going, as I'd be a bit nervous if it dried out too much. He won very nicely on his debut. This is a stiffer test, but we'd like to think he'd run well.
Reporting by Conor Fennelly

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