Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares' Champion Hurdle |
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| Grade 1, Punchestown 15:50 €100,000 added, 4yo plus, 2m 2f, Class 1  |
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| Saturday 29th April 2017 | |
1 Apple's Jade EvensF
2
Airlie Beach 16/1
3
Karalee 11/4
7 ran Distances: 14l, 1¾l, 18l
Time: 4m 53.20s (slow by 15.20s)
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Willie Mullins picked up the prize money for second, third, fourth and fifth.
"It looks like we are beaten now," said Elliott. "I'm heartbroken to be beat. Of course I wanted to win but we've equaled Willie's record of 193 wins in a season so I'm delighted with that and to have three Grade 1s this week.
"Apple's Jade is very good as you saw there. I'm not sure which way she'd go next season. I doubt she'd jump fences but she could be one for three miles and the World Hurdle.
"She has been something else this season. She is good enough at what she does - she has won five Grade 1s now - and doesn't need to do much more."
Owner Michael O'Leary added: "She looked great and Gordon thought that she was in very good form. Thanks to Willie (Mullins) and Harold (Kirk) because, without them, we wouldn't own her. She seems to be going the right way and we will enjoy today.
"Gordon will make a plan for her next season but she seems to be a very good mare. She is only five, so hopefully there is a bright future for her, but I hate planning too far ahead because some injury will get visited on her.
"We will let the trainer work it out. There is a great mares' programme that tends to be over two and a half miles. If she is fit and well at Cheltenham next season, the mares' race again looks tailor made for her.
"There will be another group of new mares for her to face next year, so we will enjoy the races she has won this year. She is clearly a good mare and I am delighted to win this race."
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
€100,000 added, 4yo plus, 2m 2f, Class 1
7 ran
Going: Good to Yielding
| Pos | D | Horse SP | Jockey Weight | Trainer | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Apple's Jade (FR) Evsf | B J Cooper 11-7 |
G Elliott | 5 | |
| 2nd | 14 | Airlie Beach (IRE) 16/1 | D E Mullins 11-7 |
W P Mullins | 7 |
| 3rd | 1¾ | Karalee (FR) 11/4 | R Walsh 11-7 |
W P Mullins | 6 |
| 4th | 18 | Whiteout (GER) 20/1 | D J Mullins 11-7 |
W P Mullins | 6 |
| 5th | 4 | Augusta Kate 7/2 | P Townend 11-7 |
W P Mullins | 6 |
| 6th | 13 | Barra (FR) 20/1 | J W Kennedy 11-7 |
G Elliott | 6 |
| PU | Lady Buttons 50/1 | A Nicol 11-7 |
P A Kirby | 7 |
PAST RESULTS
Year Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Jockey SP
2016 Whiteout 5-11-07 Mrs David Lawlor Willie Mullins Paul Townend 16/1
2015 Annie Power 7-11-07 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 2/9 Fav
2014 Annie Power 6-11-07 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 1/6 Fav
2013 Glens Melody 5-11-07 Ms Fiona McStay Willie Mullins Paul Townend 7/2
