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Apple's Jade beats Vroum Vroum Mag and Limini in Mares' Hurdle thriller

Thursday 1 February 2018 14:55, UK

Apple's Jade (C) battled back to beat Vroum Vroum Mag (L) and Limini
Image: Apple's Jade (R) battled back to beat Vroum Vroum Mag (L) and Limini

Apple's Jade ran out an extremely game winner of the OLBG Mares' Hurdle to complete a Cheltenham Festival double for trainer Gordon Elliott.

The 7/2 shot rallied after the last hurdle to beat Willie Mullins pair Vroum Vroum Mag (11/4) and Limini (6/4 fav) after appearing to be vulnerable to both of her main market rivals.

Jockey Bryan Cooper took the five-year-old to the front some way from home, and she stayed there until Vroum Vroum Mag loomed up under Paul Townend coming to the last.

Limini also made her challenge in the same Rich Ricci colours as Vroum Vroum Mag, but she made a mistake at the final hurdle and could not quite recover.

But it was Apple's Jade, an impressive winner at the Aintree Festival last spring, who found more on the run to the line and prevailed in a thrilling contest.

Elliott had earlier taken the opening Supreme Novices' Hurdle with 25/1 Labaik.

CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 12: Apple's Jade ridden by Bryan Cooper celebrates after winning the OLBG Mares Hurdle during Champion Day of the Chelte
Image: Thumbs up for Bryan Cooper after Apple's Jade wins the OLBG Mares Hurdle

Winning owner Michael O'Leary said: "They're three stunning mares.

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"They (Limini and Vroum Vroum Mag) lost nothing in defeat, but Apple's Jade was just a very good winner. That was a good performance and a great ride by Bryan.

"This mare just stays. We had the option of running in the Champion Hurdle, but Gordon said she'd be taken off her feet. She battles and battles. She was great.

"Maybe the last run in Punchestown (when runner-up to Limini) just left her right."

Trainer Gordon Elliott in the parade ring at Punchestown
Image: Gordon Elliott trained two of the first five winners at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival

Elliott added: "She was tough. We knew that the ground was going to suit her. Today was her Gold Cup. I put a tongue-strap on her for the first time and thankfully it worked out.

"We knew she would have come on a good bit for Punchestown and this was the plan. She is as tough as old boots. She will stay three three miles next year. I would imagine we will go to Punchestown."

Trainer Willie Mullins looks on in the parade ring at Sandown
Image: Willie Mullins hopes his luck will change after Vroum Vroum Mag became his second runner-up

Willie Mullins was left to curse his misfortune after a difficult day, saying: "They are running well but have been unlucky.

"Both travelled good into the race and they had their chance. Both ran up to their form. I thought they each ran their race."

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