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Racing News |
| Thursday 30th November 2017 | |
A Look Back at the Incredible Career of Quevega
The horse that won at the Cheltenham Festival a record 6 times in a row
When you look at the greats of modern horse-racing, Quevega is sure to come up. She will forever be remembered for her supreme talent and consistency come March. Quevega holds the record for the most wins consecutively by any horse at the Cheltenham Festival having won the mares hurdle a record six times in a row. In the process, breaking the previous record set by the mighty Golden Miller who won five consecutive Gold Cups back in the 1930s.
Sired by Robin des Champs, this article will cover the incredible career of Quevega and her record setting victories. Check out the latest King George betting odds as one of the most anticipated races of the season is set to take place.
2009 – MARES HURDLE
The newly established David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle, over two and a half miles, was the first victory of many at Cheltenham for the mare. She came into the race having won comfortably at Punchestown, so she was expected to do well for the Mullins team. Quevega made rapid progress from the third last and stormed up the hill to win by an incredible fourteen lengths. This was the first winner of the week for Walsh and the start of a dominating era for horse and jockey.
2010 – MARES HURDLE
Quevega did not make her reappearance for the season until the following Cheltenham festival where she again ran in the Mares’ race, looking to defend her crown for the first time. She showed the absence to be no barrier and again won with ease by over four lengths. This prompted Ruby to describe her as a ‘great mare’ as she continued to showcase her talent on the biggest stage.
2011 – MARES HURDLE
Amazingly enough she was again left to make her reappearance in the Mares hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. However, connections were voicing concerns that the horse could have done with some extra work. But Quevega proved them all wrong and destroyed the field by 10 lengths not having to be extended.
2012 – MARES HURDLE
Quevega bid for a four-timer in the race with her customary lengthy absence. Which might seem odd, considering there didn’t seem to be a true challenge to her as she was shaping up to be the greatest mare of her generation. She went into the race as a short priced favourite and duly obliged by four lengths as the ‘Irish Banker’ of the meeting.
2013 – MARES HURDLE
The mare went into this race as the odds-on favourite once again, as she looked to emulate the mighty Golden Miller in becoming a 5 time in a row festival winner. She was again making her first start of the season but was expected to win. Quevega had no luck in running and was still only progressing into fifth place coming to the last. However, she knew the Cheltenham hill so well after four wins that she stormed home through horses to get up in the final furlong and cement herself in the record books.
2014 – MARES HURDLE
The 2014 running of the race was one to savour for racing fans as the incredible mare was back again, clearly aiming to set the record. She was made the 8/11 favourite and looked to be struggling only to pick up tremendously and storm home to win her sixth consecutive mares hurdle. Quevega then headed to Punchestown and her victorious run was finally ended, being beaten into second. Mullins confirmed after the race that she was then to be retired. One of the biggest clashes of the season is set to take place between stars Might Bite, Thistlecrack and Sizing John. Many King George tips have Might Bite as there pick as the incredibly talented horse looks to back up the hype.
RUBY WITH QUEVEGA IN 2014 FOLLOWING HER
RECORD BREAKING 6TH WIN IN THE MARES HURDLE
