Racing:Quevega could next run in the French Champion Hurdle after claiming the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle for the second year running at Punchestown. The Willie Mullins-trained charge followed up her hat-trick of victories in the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with yet another stirring performance as she overcame her stable companion Mourad.
The two fought out the finish and it was Ruby Walsh on Quevega who defeated his sister, Katie, on Mourad in a rousing finish.
Quevega was never too far off the leaders and responded when asked to go and win her race. Mourad came from further back and was never able to wear down the 8-11 favourite, who became the first market leader to oblige at the meeting.
Despite making a bad mistake at the last, Quevega still had a length and a quarter to spare over Mourad (11-2) with Carlito Brigante (16-1) a creditable third.
A trip to Auteuil in June for the French Champion Hurdle could now be on Quevega’s agenda.
“She’s just so athletic, nine out of 10 horses would have fallen at the last and I can’t believe she came back,” said Mullins. “I’m thinking about the French Champion Hurdle for her as a next run — there’s huge prize-money out there — but she’ll be going the same route next season.”