Culloty booked for Enjoyment in Bumper
The mare was a 10-1 chance with Cashmans yesterday, having come in for sustained support over the last couple of weeks with a number of firms.
Said Cooper: “Jim rode her in a gallop at Leopardstown recently and will be aboard at Cheltenham. She’s in excellent form, not a bother on her and is fresh and well.’’
Total Enjoyment, third to Blazing Liss at Punchestown in May, rocketed into contention for Cheltenham this winter with clear-cut successes at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown.
When she won at Fairyhouse, the trainer suggested a trip to the foot of the Cotswolds might be on the agenda. “I think the press had a laugh that day, me a Kerryman talking about going to Cheltenham’’, said Cooper.
Just over two weeks later, at Leopardstown at Christmas, there was certainly no one laughing, after she romped to a 25 lengths victory.
Her recent spin at Leopardstown, with Solerina, impressed some seasoned observers and left Cooper “thrilled.’’
Said Cooper: “I arranged with the Bowe family that she would go with Solerina. I wanted to get a nice piece of work into her.
“They went a good clip, for two miles, and it was as good as a race. She came home with her head in her chest.’’
Total Enjoyment has already given her 11-member It Will Never Last Syndicate just that.
Ten of them come from Tralee and one from the north. They will all be making the journey.
“Cheltenham is a law unto itself, we just hope it goes well’’, said Cooper.
Meanwhile, Willie Mullins yesterday indicated he will be leaving it as late as possible before making up his mind as to which race the much-talked about Sadlers Wings will contest at the Festival.
“I’m not leaning either way at the moment, I’m just not in any hurry to make a decision’’, said Mullins. “Sadlers Wings did a nice bit of work this morning and the next few days will be crucial.’’
He appears certain to have the biggest representation of any trainer in the Bumper. “They will all be working this week and we will see then.
“I wouldn’t mind running half a dozen, who’s to say what will spark on the day.’’
Davenport Milenium will take his chance in the Champion Hurdle, with Timmy Murphy in the plate, while Mullins intends running three in the Triumph Hurdle.
David Russell takes the mount on Raikkonen and Ruby Walsh will have a choice between Silk Screen and Diego Garcia.
Adamant Approach, runner-up behind Alcapone at Thurles last week, is on schedule for the Cathcart.
“I was happy with the horse at Thurles and just hope it stays dry for him’’, said Mullins.
Others likely to be on the plane are Mossy Green (Ruby Walsh) and Rule Supreme (David Casey), in the SunAlliance Novice Chase, and Boneyarrow (National Hunt Chase) and Castle Weir (Foxhunters). Both will be partnered by Jamie Codd.
Michael Bowe confirmed that Gary Hutchinson will ride brilliant mare Solerina in the Stayers’ Hurdle as she attempts to lower the colours of mighty dual-winner, Baracouda.
“She did a nice bit of work at the weekend and I couldn’t be happier with her’’, commented Bowe. “Hopefully, she will get a nice sailing across now.
“A few people have said to me I’m going to set it up for Baracouda again, maybe they’re right! But I have a lot of faith in her.
“She is well capable of a big run, if things go right. She’s very game and laid-back, a little lady.’’
