Champagne Fever digs deep for bumper win
Report: Punchestown, Wednesday
betchronicle.com Champion INH Flat Race (Grade 1) 2m,
CHAMPAGNE FEVER dug deep to see off the persistent challenge of Melodic Rendezvous and make all under Patrick Mullins.
The 11-4 favourite, who landed the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenhamlast month, was completing a treble for Willie Mullins on day two of the Punchestown festival.
In desperate and gruelling conditions, Champagne Fever led throughout with the runner-up and Clonbanan Lad close up, as Fickle Fortune and Venture Capital watched on from the rear.
But as the final turn for home approached, Mullins attempted to kick clear of his rivals aboard Champagne Fever. The riders in behind were all shoving away as they tried to reel in the leader and only Melodic Rendezvous, representing Jeremy Scott, was able to go with him.
The runner-up chased in vein but Champagne Fever had too much in the tank and he went on to win by seven and a half lengths.
Mozoltov, also trained by Mullins, finished third.
Mullins said: "Champagne Fever is a super horse. Patrick [Mullins] said he was only idling coming up the straight he and that he had plenty left in the tank and I know our third horse is a good horse.
"He just gallops all day he obviously stays well, he jumps well so he's one we're really looking forward to.
"He has huge ability and I have considered going straight over fences with him. We could do what wedid with Florida Pearl."
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