Mullins Westerner horse makes winning debut

Westhorpe (5g Westerner-Chantoue Royale, by Cadoudal) could head to the G1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham after making an impressive winning debut for trainer Willie Mullins at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The five-year-old, bred by Patrick Cullinan and Sandra Bromley, continued a fabulous run for Westerner as he strolled to a length and a quarter success under Mullins’ son Patrick in the colours of Madeleine McMahon.

"He shows plenty. The owner's grandson (Aubrey) rode him in a piece of work the other day and told us he was a fair sort,” Willie Mullins told irishracing.com. "We'll talk to the owner (about Cheltenham). It is an option but he was bought for Aubrey to ride. Patrick said he got very unbalanced from idling in front there."