Quevega shows her brilliance again

The Grade 1 Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown lived up to its billing and a lot more when Quevega (three in a row now in this staying highlight) once again proved that she's a mare in a million with a smashing performance to slam the other leading lady, Voler La Vedette by five and a half lengths.

From before the straight, the waited with pair of Quevega and Voler La Vedette queued up behind Mourad travelling with ease. However from the back of the last there was only going to be one winner as the victorious daughter of Robin Des Champs burst clear to score impressively.

Willie Mullins, the successful trainer said: "She did what Ruby (Walsh, the winning rider) asked her and when push came to shove she still had plenty left in the tank.

"She pinged the last, not like here last year, and as we would never have minded taking on the best over two miles with her, we knew she wouldn't be found wanting for a change of gear.

"She won three on the flat before she ever came to me. She's a real good mare and she showed that today.

"It was a fantastic performance and a great ride by Ruby too.

"She came in season last week but she came out of it quick enough.

"She's just got tremendous ability. As regards next year I have no problem taking on Big Buck's if he gets an entry in the mares hurdle!

"I think we'll follow the same plan and she may or may not go back to Auteuil, I'll have to discuss that with the owners first."

Quevega quoted at 4/6 for next year's David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle following her third successive win in the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown.

Hayley O'Connor of Ladbrokes said: "Quevega held onto her Punchestown crown and we think she's got an excellent chance of scoring a fifth win in a row at Cheltenham next year. It was a big losing result as expected but she brought a ray of sunshine on a very rainy day."

(GC & EM)