Back-To-Back Listed Wins For Son Of Milan

Israel Champ (4g Milan - La Dariska, by Take Risks) defied a penalty to win Friday’s Listed bumper at Ascot- a second straight black-type success for the David Pipe-trained bay.

Tom Scudamore rode him to lead, but was headed after six furlongs and waited until three furlongs out to regain the advantage. Kicking clear a furlong later, he kept on well to hold off the favourite Soaring Glory (Fame And Glory) by a length and three quarters.

Speaking after the race, Pipe said, “Israel Champ did it really well. We never bought him as a bumper horse and I assume we'll have to look at the Cheltenham Festival bumper. I've always liked our fella and hopefully he's got a bright future.”

Now owned by John White and Anne Underhill, Israel Champ was purchased privately after winning his point-to-point debut impressively in March. The son of Grange Stud sire Milan was bred by Mrs Sheila Kelleher.