Fever repels Tent in Supreme

Champagne Fever produced a game front-running performance to land the opening Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Willie Mullins' charge stuck his head out gamely in the closing stages for a half length success.

“He just came alive in the last fortnight. I watched him, with Willie, on the Curragh and his work was scintillating," Walsh told Channel 4.

“Patrick always maintained he was a two-miler and he's an out-and-out galloper. He was dead right. He jumped like a stag and travelled really well.

“I knew AP (McCoy) was coming as I heard the crowd. He wasn't doing a lot in front but when AP got to him he stuck his head down and went away again.”

Mullins added:- "It was a very brave performance from the horse to lead like that and jump like that.

"The one mistake he did make Ruby said he heard Tony McCoy coming up behind him and he just took off but he landed going as fast the far side and he knew he had loads of horse underneath.

"Ruby was just hoping he'd gone fast enough as he was obviously trying to steady it and ride a tactical race from the front. Obviously he got it spot on."

Mullins is already excited about the prospect of sending Champagne Fever over fences next season.

He said: "He'll go to Punchestown next and next season will all be about chasing.

"We've schooled him and he already jumps fences better than hurdles - he is electric over a fence."

Owner JP McManus had to settle for second and third as Jezki (5/1) finished a further two-and-a-quarter lengths behind the front two.

McCoy said of My Tent Or Yours: "I was beaten by a better horse."

Frank Berry, racing manager for My Tent Or Yours' owner JP McManus, said: "AP said there were no excuses and he had every chance up to the last.

"He jumped great."

Trainer Jessica Harrington made no excuses for Jezki, who also carries the McManus silks. She said: "He might have missed the last, but up to that he jumped great.

"They went a good gallop, but he kept going all the way to the line and I'm very pleased."

Berry said: "I'd imagine Jezki might go to Punchestown, but we'll see how he comes out of this."