JAMES’S GATE emerged as a hugely exciting prospect when drawing clear in Sunday’s bumper at Punchestown.

The Willie Mullins-trained newcomer was sent off a short-priced favourite for the two mile contest on heavy ground and made virtually all the running under Patrick Mullins. Travelling the best of the field approaching the turn for home, he began to extend his advantage before the final furlong and kept on strongly to win by eight lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “He’s a tremendous addition to Sean and Bernardine Mulryan’s group of horses. He was bought from Pat Doyle, on his recommendation, and I’m very pleased for him as well. He looks as good as Pat thinks he is. I’d imagine he’ll go for the Cheltenham bumper and we’ll look forward to coming back here as well for the festival bumper here.”

Bought by Killeen Glebe with Kevin Ross as a foal, James’s Gate unfortunately missed the store sales, and was subsequently sent to Pat Doyle. Impressed by the son of Shantou, he recommended the bay to Willie Mullins, who purchased him privately for Sean and Bernardine Mulryan.