Paradise Wins the Champagne

If Paradise highly-rated in his juvenile days, is still going strong as an eight-year-old and the Compton Place gelding made it two on the bounce by defying top-weight in the Louis Roederer Champagne Handicap.

Without success for over four years until scoring at Roscommon thirteen days ago, the confidence gained there stood him in good stead as he made all to defeat 4/1 joint favourite, Diamond Fire by two lengths.

Mick Halford, the winning handler, is at Royal Ascot to see Soap Wars in action and his representative, Paddy Duffy said: "Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him. He is a genuine horse."

Shane Foley was aboard If Paradise and the win continues a fine run for Halford.