See also » Maries-Rock-wins-Mares-Champion-Hurdle
We love coming here, we had to throw two at it to win it and Stormy Ireland looked like she had got away. She's funny but she's tough and she's done it all year to be fair, so has Epatante. They've both had fantastic seasons. She is hardy and she's found her feet this year in no uncertain terms. I thought she was very good two years ago, where she got to last year I've no idea. I lost her completely but luckily she's come back to talk to me. She's got plenty of pace and she stays obviously. Put those two together, and a lot of ability, and you are in quite a strong place. It was a good solid gallop and I thought they set out to test Epatante's stamina and that probably helped her because she does stay really well. Epatante has been on the go for a long time, since the Fighting Fifth, and she's had a great season, she's won three Grade 1s. This filly has now won two. It was a smaller team than we tend to be here with. We would have loved to have brought Constitution Hill but it wasn't the right thing to do. Maybe we'll all meet up again next year and sort it all out then. Nicky Henderson, trainer

The Stewards interviewed Aidan Coleman, rider of Epatante (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, Aidan Coleman accepted that he was in breach of the whip guidelines and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Aidan Coleman was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his clean previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Aidan Coleman for one raceday.

A hurdle for four years old and upwards mares only that are EBF eligible
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 9lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 5lbs