Bunting

His breakthrough came on Boxing Day 2023 at Limerick, where he showed real promise on his way to victory. The ride that day stayed with him: Sean O'Keeffe, who was in the saddle, came away impressed by Bunting's attitude and his jumping, even noting how the horse had handled the final obstacles with maturity. That early success hinted at something worth building on.

For much of his career, Bunting competed in the top tier of races in Britain, but the numbers tell a clear story — he won none of his three attempts at that level, which is why the decision to drop him down in class makes sense. It took him until this week to add to his tally, but when he did, at Ballinrobe on 24 August, it suggested the trainer had found the right racing for him. That win came after a mixed recent run that included several mid-field finishes, making the victory timely.

Bunting is trained by W P Mullins, whose stable at Muine Bheag in County Carlow sent out 215 winners this season alone — a powerhouse operation. According to the trainer, Bunting has been schooled well and is now stepping up to novice chasing, an important milestone. Mullins indicated the horse could have more to offer over fences, the kind of measured optimism trainers express when they see genuine potential. For a 6-year-old still finding his way, and one who raced just a day ago, there is real encouragement in that assessment.