Champagne Fever out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase

The well fancied Champagne Fever has been announced as a late non-runner in today’s Queen Mother Champion Chase. Before his withdrawal, the eight year old was priced up at 5/1 fourth favourite

The eight year old grey, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh was given a self-certificate after reportedly being injured in transit when on the way over from Ireland.

Trainer Willie Mullins said: “Champagne Fever got bitten on the lip by another of our horses on the way over to Cheltenham. He was ridden out for the past few mornings on the track, but I wasn’t happy with him this morning. The small injury he picked up in transit hasn’t fully resolved itself and I’ve decided not to risk him.”

Mullins also announced that Pylonthepressure would be a non-runner in the Champion Bumper. “We weren’t happy with Pylonthepressure on the gallops this morning,” added Mullins. “David [Mullins] rode him and after speaking to him I decided to withdraw him.”

This is great news for everyone taking advantage of our Sprinter Sacre offer too as Champagne Fever was expected to be its main rival to cross the post.