Champagne shows sparkle to clean up in Pipe

Champagne Classic gave Gordon Elliott his sixth winner of the Cheltenham Festival when taking the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle under JJ Slevin.Lizzie Kelly tried to make all on Coo Star Sivola, but the pack closed in two out, with Champagne Classic well positioned.The 12-1 shot, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, was in the lead at the last and went on to score by two and a quarter lengths from Verni, with Runfordave, a stablemate of the winner, a length and a quarter back in third.Coo Star Sivola stuck on for fourth.Winning owner Michael O'Leary said: "I think that was miraculous as he's probably the worst horse we own, but it will mean more to Gordon as this is a race he's always wanted to win because he's very close to Martin."When you buy in numbers there are some duds and he's one of them! The jockey gave him a great ride."We should be very grateful and very humble, it's great for Gordon and young JJ Slevin, he's ridden a couple of winners for us." Slevin said: "Michael might not think he's much use, but he's good enough for me. "I was lucky the ride came up and I put a call in and got it, but then I got offered another ride and Gordon wouldn't let me off him. "He travelled everywhere, jumped every hurdle and was a winner all the way really. "Gordon's had an unbelievable week and it's a privilege to ride for him."