Embarassement of Riccis for Mullins! Fairyhouse races today was all about Willie Mullins and his team, with the Champion Trainer completing a four-timer in the concluding Nina Carberry – Meath Sportsperson Of The Year 2011 Bumper with 1/4 favourite Champagne Fever. Jockey Ruby Walsh had ridden Mullins’ three earlier winners but the trainer’s son Patrick took the mount Champagne Fever and never had a moment’s worry, making all on the easy 13 lengths winner. Champagne Fever’s win was also bringing up a treble for winning owner Susan & Rich Ricci. Afterwards Mullins said “Champagne Fever learned an awful lot from his run at Leopardstown over Christmas. He ran very green then and today’s soft ground was also a big help. He is by Stowaway and they go on soft ground. “The plan was to go jumping but the way he won we’ll reflect on that now.” Champagne Fever was subsequently cut to 8/1f (from 16/1) for the Cheltenham Bumper by Stan James Bookmakers.
