Ladies first as Hatton's Grace thriller takes on an extra edge

In a mesmerising snapshot of the ebb and flow that racing fans can expect to be treated to as the duel for the Irish trainers' championship wends its way to a potentially epic climax, Apple's Jade began to fulfil her considerable potential by shading a bruising Hatton's Grace Hurdle bout with Vroum Vroum Mag.

A lot has gone on in the early exchanges of the campaign, and this thrilling Fairyhouse Grade 1 encapsulated some of the most intriguing themes to have coloured proceedings so far.

In a nutshell, it was Gordon Elliott laying down the gauntlet to Willie Mullins, with the split between the champion trainer and Michael O'Leary's indomitable Gigginstown House Stud firm lending added spice to an already mouthwatering encounter.