Lake Champlain wins Down Royal opener

The Jessica Harrington trained Lake Champlain missed out on winning the opening three year old hurdle of the year at Roscommon recently but did win the second, the Molson Coors 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal today.

Ridden by Robbie Power, the son of Manduro was left in front at the third last flight and from there had to fend off a few rivals, for a half length win over Tocororo which threw away her chance by wandering around approaching the final two flights.

Following the win Power said "I was hoping the horse (Nice Vintage) that fell three out would lead me for a bit longer and I was left in front a lot sooner than I wanted.

"He has gone about his business when the other two came to me and was a bit green in front but put his head down and galloped. He jumped the last really well. Jessica's horses have been flying all summer."

Lake Champlain had finished third in the opening juvenile hurdle this year, at Roscommon on August 17.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham