Bambino Fever further enhances outstanding bumper record

Bambino Fever confirmed herself as the standout performer in her division when running out an impressive winner of the Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion INH Flat Race.

Surprisingly for a race of such stature, only six went to post, with Willie Mullins responsible for the eventual winner, ridden by Jody Townend, and Copacabana, the mount of Patrick Mullins.

The five-year-old had already won at the Dublin Racing Festival and she followed up impressively under Townend in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper.

While that attracted its usual big field, this race was a different affair and Mullins tried to dictate matters on Copacabana, but Townend always appeared to have him covered.

Despite the small field, Noel Meade’s Colcannon ended up short of room as the pace quickened and Bambino Fever and Switch From Diesel shot clear.

Bambino Fever (11-8 favourite) displayed a smart turn of foot and kept her only challenger at bay by two and a quarter lengths.

It meant back-to-back wins in the Grade One for Townend, who rode Redemption Day to victory in the corresponding race last year.

Willie Mullins said: “She looks like a very good filly. It wasn’t as fast a race as we thought it was going to be and she was still able to quicken off it. She’s got gears as well.

“I thought it would be very hard to take Jody off after what she has done all year on her.

“That’ll be it now and we’ll look forward to next season, going jumping.

“She’s a tough, strong filly. Even if she doesn’t do anything else, she’s done enough now anyway, but I’m really looking forward to going jumping, the way she is bred.”