Millman's Champ gives his backers a Champagne moment

If there had been an award for the easiest winner of the afternoon it would undoubtedly have gone to Champagne Champ, who turned the 2m4f handicap hurdle into a one-horse show, landing some tidy bets in the process.

The Rod Millman-trained seven-year-old gelding was a general 2-1 shot in the morning but was backed at all odds down to 4-5 favourite on course, and his many supporters were always on good terms with themselves as he landed the money by almost as far as the queue for the ice cream van.

Millman’s name is usually more associated with Flat horses but he has an enviable record at the west Wales track with his jumpers as Champagne Champ’s victory proved to be his third success from only four runners.