Quevega Wins the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle for the second time

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/racingpostpix.co.uk  

Classy Quevega lands back-to-back wins

Report: Cheltenham, Tuesday
David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f, 4yo+

QUEVEGA landed back-to-back victories in the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle under a confident ride from Ruby Walsh.

It was a classy performance by the winner, who was having her first run for 296 days.

The victory proved a milestone for jockey Ruby Walsh, who moved level with Pat Taaffe as the most successful jockey in the history of the Cheltenham Festival, with 25 victories each.

The bookmakers made the contest a two-horse race with fellow Irish-raider Voler La Vedette seen as the main danger to the favourite. Both mares travelled well through the race as Stravinsky Dance was a tearaway leader.

She soon started to struggle as Carole’s Legacy hit the front under Andrew Tinkler. Walsh was still sat motionless at this stage and moved up to the leader on the bridle.

Voler La Vadette tried to go with the winner but once Walsh pushed the button the race as a contest was quickly over.

Carole’s Legacy bravely plugged on to deny Voler La Vadette  second.

Ruby Walsh drew level with Pat Taaffe on 25 Cheltenham winners

  PICTURE: Caroline Norris  

Following the race, Walsh said: "She's a very classy mare. You have to remember she was not beaten far by Solwhit and Punjabi at Punchestown. She has had her issues but delivered on the day."

Winning trainer Willie Mullins, said: "It was extraordinary the negative rumours that were coming from over the water.

"She did a fantastic bit of work last Tuesday. She looked very straight and she ran the way she looked. I would have thought we will go for the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown now."

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