Champayne Lady could have earned herself a trip to Cheltenham after victory in the opening mares maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Alan Fleming 's charge picked up best on the run-in in the two-miler to defeat 6/4 favourite Moonlight Escape by two-and-a-half lengths.

The Robin Des Champs mare tracked the front-running market leader before jumping upsides at the last and asserting in the closing stages for Denis O'Regan.

The 9/4 winner had been second on her last outing at the track last month when chasing home Play The Game.

“She was very good and Denis was really happy with her,” said Fleming.

“Probably nicer ground could help her, and Barry and Rory (Connell, owner) are thinking of going for the Mares Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham. They will have a bit of fun and are entitled to go there with her.

“She did it well and we were always a bit worried about the ground. Denis said she will be better on better ground but she handled it alright. She showed a bit of class there today.

“We’ll have a small team going (to Cheltenham) but once we bring them there in top shape that’s all that matters.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)