The Willie Mullins trained Sempre Medici remains unchanged at 33/1 for next month's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham following a workmanlike win in the Grade 2 Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran today.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, Sempre Medici (2/7f) was made work by Bentelimar as the pair approached the final flight but Walsh's mount found much more on the run-in, for a seven lengths going-away win.

Mullins, whose Open Eagle was a winner at Warwick, was at Newbury and following Sempre Medici's win, his son Patrick Mullins reported “it was a little harder than expected but the ground is very tacky and being a Flat horse it probably wouldn't suit him.

“We were wondering a bit going to the last, would be capsize, but he battled well and showed a good attitude.

“I'd imagine he'll be on the boat for the Champion Hurdle and he should improve for better ground.

“Hopefully he should pick up plenty of races after Cheltenham as well.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson