No Problem for Champagne in Kilbeggan rout

Champagne Problem made it two from two over flights with a runaway win in the Tote Guarantee On Irish & UK Races Novice Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

A free going mare, who is best when given her head, Pat Taaffe has built up a strong rapport with the daughter of Fame And Glory.

Allowed stride on mid-way through the contest, the Willie Mullins trained mare had her rivals in trouble well before the third last and effectively from two out, the race was over barring accidents.

As with her previous win at Cork, it is difficult to know just how good the mare could be, as she has yet to really be tested over hurdles.

Pat Taaffe said:- “She's well bred, she was bred by Mum and Dad and by the Coxs at Baroda Stud who are good family friends.

“She has a lot to learn in all areas, she was scrappy but the main thing is that she has the engine. If you have that you can build the rest around it.

“It was only her second run over hurdles so you can allow for some mishaps.”

When asked if she could be a chaser in the making he added:- “You'd have to see if she goes that far in her career.

“If she does well enough as a hurdler, that family didn't go chasing except for Ninetieth Minute, and she has done her bit she could go to a nice stallion and make some money at the sales.

“The last day at Cork she was obviously very impressive and she galloped all the way to the line. Today she was more settled and looked at things a bit more.

“She's just becoming more mature and she obviously has the engine. She's won a winners hurdle there and she's ready for the next step.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson