Champagne Fever got his hurdling career off to the perfect start in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners E.B.F. Maiden Hurdle at Cork.

Willie Mullins' grey was sent off at the prohibitive price of 1-8 for the two mile contest and duly lived up the billing with a facile success.

The five year old won his sole start between the flags before joining Mullins where he shone in bumpers, running up a hat-trick after being beaten by Thomas Edison on debut.

Two of those victories came in Grade One contests at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals under Patrick Mullins but Paul Townend took over for his hurdling bow with the former on duty at Punchestown.

Settling well towards the head of affairs, the grey son of Stormaway hurdled well and Townend didn't even have to ask him a question en route to recording a five length success from Andunowhat.

Mullins said: "He did nothing wrong. "He jumped big and he wasn't helped by all the messing at the start. He'll keep at hurdling."

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