THE non-Grade 1 entries for the Dublin Racing Festival came out last week and, like Henry de Bromhead being MIA in the top level contests when they were released, it was surprising to see Willie Mullins being light in the Future Stars Bumper, with just two entries from the total of 16.

Mullins has won the race four times since it became a thing in 2018 and his representation in it has gradually grown, averaging three runners per running in the last five years, peaking at five in 2024, presumably from a bigger initial entry.