Apple's Jade bidding to land Lismullen Hurdle for third consecutive year

1.05 Navan
Lismullen Hurdle (Grade 2) | 4yo+ | 2m4f | RTV

Ten-time Grade 1 winner Apple’s Jade returns to Navan bidding for a third consecutive win in this Grade 2, and trainer Gordon Elliott believes his star mare is fit and well enough for the task awaiting her.

With Robbie Power on board for the first time in the absence of the sidelined Jack Kennedy, Apple’s Jade, who reached double figures at the highest grade when landing the Irish Champion Hurdle in February, faces only four rivals in her bid to remain unbeaten at Navan.

Apple’s Jade’s 14 wins have been achieved at trips from two miles to three miles and on ground ranging from good to heavy, and since being trained in Ireland she has won on three of her four seasonal reappearances.

Apple's Jade winning the Lismullen Hurdle in 2017Credit: Alain Barr

Elliott said: “Apple’s Jade wasn’t at her best after she won the Irish Champion Hurdle – her form tapered off.

“She was disappointing at Cheltenham and was below par at Aintree and Punchestown. “She’s had a wind operation and seems in good form. She’s been going well at home and is fit and ready for action. This seems to be her time of year.”

Victory for Apple’s Jade will see her become the first three-time Lismullen Hurdle winner since it was promoted to Grade 2 level in 1997. Solerina was successful in 2004 and 2005, while other big-name winners include Limestone Lad, Voler La Vedette and Arctic Fire.

Apple’s Jade’s main rival will be dual Grade 1 winner Bacardys, who represents trainer Willie Mullins.

Barcardys appears to be the main rival to Apple's JadeCredit: Alain Barr

Having failed to fire in two efforts over fences last season, the eight-year-old finished sixth in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham before a highly encouraging three-length second to Unowhatimeanharry in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at the Punchestown festival.

Bacardys tackles 2m4f for the first time since landing the Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown in 2017.

Magic Of Light will be making her first appearance since finishing second in the Grand National in April.

A two-time winner over hurdles, the Jessica Harrington-trained eight-year-old outran her odds of 66-1 when beaten two and three-quarter lengths by the brilliant Tiger Roll, and she again has the Aintree spectacular as her ultimate target this season.

Magic Of Light (left) finished second to Tiger Roll in the Grand National on her last startCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Harrington said of Paddy Kennedy’s mount: “Magic Of Light is very well and ready to start off. The plan is to campaign her mainly in mares’ hurdles and chases on the way back to Aintree, and this race looked a suitable starting point, rather than going straight back in over fences.

“We’ll see how she gets on and then we’ll probably send her for a couple of mares’ races in England like we did last season.”

“Stamina is her forte and she handles soft ground well. It’s hard to believe, but she’s come back from her summer break bigger and stronger than ever.”

The Denis Cullen-trained Dysios, an 11-year-old course winner on the Flat and over hurdles, and the Ray Hackett-trained The Ballyboys complete the line up.

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