Apple's Jade and Jack Kennedy© Photo Healy Racing
Apple's Jade emulated another great mare, Solerina, by winning a third Grade One BARONERACING.COM Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in spectacular fashion to bring up a treble for Gordon Elliott.
This was a second Gigginstown House Stud winner on the day at the top level, following on from Delta Work (Davy Russell) in the Drinmore, and Elliott also took the opener with Chief Justice (Cheveley Park Stud and Russell).
Jack Kennedy soon had Apple's Jade (4/6) on pace-setter Wicklow Brave s tail, and she took over from three out.
It was quickly a matter of how far and the now eight time Grade One winner pinged the last two on her way to a twenty length demolition of Supasundae
For Rich and Susannah Ricci and Willie Mullins, Limini and Bapaume filled the third and fourth spots, two lengths and a length and a half behind.
"She's unreal - to be riding a horse like this is a dream come through for me - I'd say for anyone to get on a horse like this would be great," said Kennedy.
"She's so versatile - you can ride her anywhere - you don't have to make the running on her. It was a brilliant performance.
"She was very relaxed but Patrick (Mullins on Wicklow Brave) was trying to steady up the pace a little bit which wouldn't have suited me. When I got up near him then she kind of latched on to the bridle a little bit.
"She's so straight-forward and it's a pleasure to be riding her."
For the OLBG Mares Hurdle Apple's Jade is 2/1 favourite from 3/1 joint market-leader with Paddy Power.
“You are always nervous when you’ve got something like her running, and when she went down and jumped the last it was a big relief," said Elliott.
“Horses like her are what the public want to see and I’m lucky enough to be training her.
“Jack said he knew half way down the back there was plenty there. She loves a fight and is something else.
“I‘d say she will follow a similar campaign to last year.”
Boylesports — Mares Hurdle 7/4 (from 3/1) Stayers 6/1 (from 12/1) about Apple's Jade.
(AM & EM)
