SINCE the possibility of Augusta Kate running in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham has gathered momentum, it is worthwhile taking stock of the performance of mares in the race. Just two mares have won the race since its inauguration in 1992 – Mucklemeg in 1994 and Total Enjoyment in 2004. (And no, 2006 winner Hairy Molly was not a mare.)

It is not a great return on the face of it, just two wins in 23 runnings, so just 8.7% of the winners were mares. The logical conclusion, therefore, is that Augusta Kate is up against it.