A RACING trip to northern Italy last weekend was a change of scene for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh in what became an eventful week. They had an unexpected extra four members in their supporters club cheering on Alelchi Inois last Sunday as he attempted to win the Grand Prix de Merano in Italy where he placed a commendable third.

Limerick point-to-point handler Brian Mortell made the trip to Merano with his wife Maggie and Elizabeth McNamara, daughter of Croom trainer Andrew, and husband Dominic Weiss.