'The change of gear was impressive' - Ruby Walsh sweet on Vauban for Champion

Vauban looks the ideal candidate to take on Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill in next season's Champion Hurdle, according to Ruby Walsh, who was mightily impressed with his performance in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Walsh landed the Champion Hurdle on four occasions, twice with Hurricane Fly and once apiece with Rich Ricci-owned duo Faugheen and Annie Power, and believes Ricci has another ideal candidate for the championship race on his hands after Vauban defeated Fil Dor and Pied Piper in a strong renewal of the Triumph.

Analysing the winner on ITV, Walsh said: "I think this fellow is more a Champion Hurdle horse [than Sir Gerhard] to tell you the truth. I know he's only a four-year-old but he was a 98-rated Flat horse and he's a very fast horse.

"He had a good look at the last, backed off and landed in a heap but you could tell by Paul Townend's body language that he always had plenty of gears and as soon as Paul flicked him twice with his right hand, the change of gear was so impressive and he hit the line strong.

"It's brave to think a four-year-old can turn into a Champion Hurdle horse but this could be one."

Vauban is all class as he lands the Triumph Hurdle under Paul Townend

Having been criticised for its lack of strength in depth in recent years, the Champion Hurdle could be about to get a timely boost, with impressive Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Constitution Hill and Ballymore Novices' Hurdle winner Sir Gerhard other possible candidates to take on Honeysuckle in the day one highlight next season.

Bookmakers generally make Honeysuckle and Constitution 3-1 joint favourites for the Champion Hurdle in 2023, with Sir Gerhard and Vauban next in the betting at around 8-1.

Ricci had previously floated the idea of Vauban switching to the Flat for a potential tilt at the Melbourne Cup in the future but winning trainer Willie Mullins was on the same page as Walsh after the race, pinpointing next year's Champion Hurdle as his main aim.

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