Five Willie Mullins Bumper Horses to Follow: 'Strong vibes ahead of Cheltenham' Emma Nagle has provided us with plenty of winning hints for bumpers in the past and runs through five Willie Mullins bumper horses to keep an eye on. Love Sign d’Aunou The favourite for the Champion Bumper, Love Sign d’Aunou was a runaway 24-length winner at Naas on testing ground, and it was hard not to be taken by Patrick Mullins’ enthusiasm afterwards. He suggested the gelding could be at the top of their bumper string, describing him as more of a stayer than a speed horse, with strong vibes coming from the Mullins camp ahead of Cheltenham. Our Trigger A full brother to Gaelic Warrior, Our Trigger impressed when winning on very testing ground at Gowran. Patrick Mullins compared him closely to his brother, noting their similar characteristics, and while he could be one of the better horses in this bumper crop long term, Cheltenham this year may not be his be-all and end-all. The Irish Avatar The Irish Avatar produced a very strong performance at Navan, settling well before kicking clear of the field. A tall, rangy type who doesn’t look like a typical bumper horse, he shaped like one who will improve with time, and his sire Poet’s Word continues to look an increasingly interesting source of bumper performers. Bentraghhill Bentraghhill was a very impressive winner of the Leopardstown Christmas bumper, pulling hard throughout yet still finding plenty to kick clear. Willie Mullins admitted he was surprised Patrick didn’t ride him after how strongly he worked at home, though his Getaway pedigree raises some questions despite his obvious power and raw potential. Quirin Quirin is not a typical four-year-old bumper horse, being a French flat-bred by Sottsass who has effectively been in training since a yearling. He was really impressive winning on debut at Naas, quickening away with ease, and with his physical edge and four-year-old allowance, he could be a real player at Cheltenham. Watch the full video
