UNIBET CHAMPION

HURDLE CHALLENGE

TROPHY (GRADE 1)

EVERYTHING suggested that Buveur D’Air held utterly compelling claims of joining the greats of hurdling by retaining his Champion Hurdle crown but this was an occasion where the reigning title holder had to show courage and determination aplenty.

Following a blemish free season that yielded three facile successes, Nicky Henderson’s charge was a 4/6 favourite to account for a field that looked short on serious challengers. However, a welter of support for Melon throughout the day proved well founded as last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up made the favourite pull out all the stops.

Ultimately the day belonged to the J.P. McManus-owned seven-year-old who grimly defended an unbeaten run that stretches back two years to become the 15th multiple winner of the race. This was also a seventh Champion Hurdle for Henderson, the race’s most successful trainer, and this must have been an especially sweet success for Barry Geraghty.

Twelve months ago an injured Geraghty had to look on from the sidelines as Noel Fehily guided the son of Crillon to victory but this time he was back in the saddle.

TEST

In one sense Buveur D’Air’s perfect season was a potential source of concern as he hadn’t undergone anything like a meaningful test in his three outings. The strong-travelling Buveur D’Air cruised through the race with his customary ease and he was still going especially well when he shrugged aside former winner Faugheen nearing the second last. At this point Melon loomed up as a huge danger on his inner and Mick Jazz was going very nicely in third.

Mick Jazz was beaten off at the final flight but up front Buveur D’Air and Melon cleared the last in unison. There was a point on the run-in that Melon threatened to move on but the reigning champion refused to lie down and answered Geraghty to prevail by a neck.

Mick Jazz was three lengths away in third and Identity Thief ran a splendid race to secure fourth. Faugheen had to settle for sixth, while the dual festival winner Yorkhill pulled up.

FIGHT

“It’s the first race that he’s had all year and it was a worry. It’s the first time that he’s really had to put his head down and fight and he’s done that very well too,” said a delighted Henderson.

“Unlike some of his prep races, this was a proper race and he showed his class. He was headed but Barry was always happy. Melon is a good horse, but Buveur D’Air just put his head down and battled.

“We have four weeks until Aintree, so we could go back there again if there is soft ground in the going description. I’ll speak to J. P. McManus.”

“There was nowhere to hide today,” declared Barry Geraghty. “The ground made it the ultimate test and the gallop we went backed that up too.

“The best horse was always going to win. He’s proved how good he is and he’s top-class.”