Explosive Limini leaves Mullins and Ricci with a tasty dilemma

A smooth and impressive success for Limini in the Listed Quevega Mares Hurdle not only shook things up at the head of the market for the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham next month, but leaves trainer Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci with some nice selection headaches.

Returning from an absence of ten months, Limini could not have been much more impressive under Ruby Walsh as she travelled strongly and jumped very well.

Even when favourite Apple's Jade - Limini's stablemate before the Mullins/Gigginstown split in September - attempted to press on from the second-last, the mare was not put out of her comfort zone, and from the final flight she quickened decisively to score by a couple of lengths with plenty in hand.

Bookmakers quickly shortened her to a best-priced 2-1 second favourite behind stablemate Vroum Vroum Mag with Ladbrokes, although several other firms shortened her to favouritism or joint-favouritism.

Mullins said: "Conditions didn't suit us and we didn't have a run all season compared to the opposition, and the fact that Ruby didn't have to pick up his stick means that she has improved since last year, so hopefully that will bring her along nicely."

Asked if she could possibly take the Stan James Champion Hurdle route followed by Annie Power after winning this race a year ago, Mullins joked: "You wouldn't know! She ran a stone better than I thought she would run."

Mullins would not be drawn on whether Limini and Vroum Vroum Mag would be kept apart at Cheltenham, saying: "It's something I will have to talk about with Rich."

Gordon Elliott was not making any excuses for the performance of Apple's Jade, who appeared to be beaten fair and square. Her Mares' Hurdle odds drifted to a best of 7-2, third favourite, with a number of firms.

The trainer said: "No excuse. Bryan [Cooper] said she was going flat out from the back of the second last and she was going just as quick passing the line. The mares' race is still her target and a faster gallop there might suit her, but no excuses today."

Mares' Hurdle card and betting