Double Festival boost for Mullins

WILLIE MULLINS continued his build-up to next week’s Cheltenham Festival by recording a double with odds-on favourites Apt Approach and Citizen Vic at Fairyhouse yesterday.

Having suffered a minor setback last autumn, Apt Approach, sixth in the bumper at Cheltenham last year, was having his first outing since finishing unplaced in the champion bumper at the Punchestown Festival and justified 2/9 favouritism in the Easter Festival Maiden Hurdle with ease.

And, having arrived late for the race, Mullins commented: “He jumped very well, by all accounts. Ruby was very happy with him and said you wouldn’t notice the soft ground on him because he really enjoys it.”