Champ makes it two wins in a week for illustrious broodmare China Sky

Blue-blooded Champ completed what has been a fine week for his dam China Sky as he overcame a hairy moment in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes 'Where The Nation Plays' Novices' Chase at Newbury.

It was a second consecutive victory over fences at the Berkshire track for Nicky Henderson's highly-regarded prospect, although jockey Barry Geraghty kept his wits about him to avoid a rail leading him to the water jump instead of the winning line before sprinting a length and three-quarters clear of Black Op. He is now a best-priced 4-1 for the RSA Novices' Chase

Champ's back story is an impressive one, being a son of King's Theatre and first foal of China Sky, a half-sister to the brilliant three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate.

Champ's half-sister Drury won easily at Punchestown this weekCredit: Alain Barr

While he has already struck at the highest level in the Sefton and Challow Novices' Hurdle, there was a little less attention gained when his Beat Hollow half-sister Drury bolted up by 16 lengths for Willie Mullins in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown on Tuesday. She had already taken a bumper at Cork in August.

They are two of three of the 14-year-old China Sky's progeny to have raced, with Track Mac (Presenting) proving a moderate maiden in Ireland so far.

China Sky has produced a few more offspring for breeders Philip and Jane Myerscough. Her most recent arrival, a Walk In The Park colt, was bought back when offered by Sunnyhill Stud as a foal at Tattersalls Ireland last year. She most recently visited Soldier Of Fortune.

Get exclusive insight from the track and live tipping with Raceday Live - our up-to-the-minute service on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app