Trainer David Pipe is planning a return visit to Paris for Ballynagour

David Pipe is planning a return visit to Paris for Ballynagour following his victory in the Prix la Barka at Auteuil on Sunday.

The Nicholashayne trainer reports the nine-year-old to have taken his cross-Channel exertions in his stride and is now eyeing the French Champion Hurdle, in which he could be joined by stablemate Un Temps Pour Tout

"Ballynagour ran out a most impressive winner of the Prix la Barka - the main trial for the French Champion Hurdle in three weeks' time," he told www.davidpipe.com.

"In beating Willie Mullins' Val De Ferbet and the best hurdlers that France could throw at him, he proved himself a leading contender for the big one itself.

"He has travelled well and is home safe and sound and providing he continues to please me in the coming days, I see no reason why he should not take his chance.

"Of course the Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil (French Champion Hurdle) will be tougher again, with the likes of Hurricane Fly and Annie Power possible runners from the Mullins battalion, but he more than deserves his place in the line-up.

"We could also have another string to our bow with Aintree third (in the Stayers' Hurdle) Un Temps Pour Tout also an intended runner."