Quevega shows World class
Considering how well Voler La Vedette ran against Big Buck’s at Cheltenham last month one would simply love to see Willie Mullins throwing down the gauntlet with Quevega to Paul Nicholls’ mighty stayer.
But it’s not going to happen, as Mullins was unmoved when the suggestion was made to him and next season will be all about a fifth success in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham
"I have no problem taking on Big Buck’s, if he gets into the Mares’ Hurdle,” joked the champion trainer.
This was a proper race, with Whatuthink and Berties Dream carrying them along. Ruby Walsh, on Quevega, and Andrew Lynch, aboard Voler La Vedette, were content to wait in the wings, but when the war really began to rage it was the big two who came to the fore.
Mourad kicked before the home turn, but he had no answer as Quevega and Voler La Vedette eased past approaching the final flight.
There wasn’t much between them jumping the obstacle, but on the flat it was no contest, as Quevaga quickened stylishly to beat her rival by a massive five and a half lengths.
Said Walsh: “We were both on the bridle going to the last, but she cracked first and knew I had her then.”
Commented Mullins: “She did everything Ruby asked of her, he always knows what’s in the tank.
“I wouldn’t mind taking on the best with her over two miles. She has so much ability, has speed and stays.
“Voler La Vedette had the credentials after Cheltenham, but we have a real good mare and she is fantastic to train.
“I was worried when she came into season last week and don’t like to work her too hard when she is like that, but she came out of it quickly enough.
“She could go to Auteuil, I will have to talk to the syndicate who own her. Maybe, she has done enough for this season.”
Davy Russell, who will be crowned champion jockey for the first time tomorrow, took his total for the season to 103 when powering Tofino Bay to victory in the Stephens Green Hibernian Hurdle.
Dessie Hughes’ charge was off for a year with leg problems, but has come back really well and impressed with his attitude.
Russell committed him to the front going to the fourth last, but Turban ranged up as big danger off the home turn.
Turban, however, came off the bridle heading to the final flight and when he crashed into the obstacle all hope was lost, as Tofino Bay kept going strongly to win by over two lengths.
Said Hughes: “He’s tough and goes on the ground. That’s it for the season, he will return over fences and be suited by three miles.”
Said Russell: “He had a pretty obvious chance and, to be fair to Dessie, he has done well to get him here, because he has had his fair share of injuries.
“He has plenty of age under his belt, so we can get stuck into him now over fences next season.”
It was hard to believe that at the end of a real slog over four miles and furlong that just a short head separated the principals in the La Touché Cup.
Lydon House looked the likely winner coming away from the last, but Patrick Mullins conjured a terrific late burst from Uncle Junior, initiating a double for Willie Mullins, to nail the leader on the line.
It was a terrific display by the winner, who was carrying top weight of 12-7.
Said Mullins senior: “I never won the race as a rider, but my mother (Maureen) tells me my father (Paddy) rode the winner in 1953.
“I wrote this horse off about three times through the race, so far behind was he. Patrick gave him an absolutely fabulous drive.
“There are some valuable banks races in France and I’m sure Luke (McMahon, owner) would be willing to go.”
Mullins’ score for the week now stands at seven.
The Bumper was won in impressive fashion by Henry de Bromhead's imposing Buckers Bridge, who scampered ahead before the straight for David Roche to easily beat Morning Royalty.
“He’s a real galloping horse and exciting,” reported de Bromhead. “He won't run again this season and will come back over hurdles.”
The Oliver McKiernan-trained Whatever Jacksays got into the Naas Court And Il Fico Restaurant Handicap Hurdle as a reserve and proceeded to run his rivals ragged.
Far from neglected in the market and partnered by Robbie Colgan, the winner led over the third and made the rest to score by 17 lengths.
The attendance was 13,286, down from 15,527 last year.
