Quevega a hat-trick heroine

RUBY WALSH cemented his place in the folkore of the Cheltenham festival when completing a spectacular treble aboard the irrepressible Quevega, who was winning the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle for the third time.

It was a tremendous training feat by Willie Mullins to bring her to Prestbury Park for the second year, without a previous outing. You could argue she would have done more on the home gallops, because Quevega landed this doing no more than half-speed.

Partnered with total confidence by Walsh, she coasted ahead between the final two flights to score with her head in her chest.