Quevega leads World field

Super mare Quevega heads a field of 11 for the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown tomorrow.

The mare took this prize in emphatic fashion 12 months ago and is fresh winning the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle for the third year running on her first outing for 11 months at the Cheltenham Festival.

Her trainer Willie Mullins also saddles Mourad, who was third to Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle there, and Mikael d’Haguenet, who reverts to the smaller obstacles after an unsuccessful spell over fences.

Colm Murphy has declared his classy mare Voler La Vedette while Gordon Elliott is represented by Coral Cup victor Carlito Brigante.

Luska Lad, Oscar Dan Dan, Rigour Back Bob and Won In The Dark complete the home team while there are two British-trained challengers, David Pipe’s Battle Group and the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Ringaroses.

Mullins reports Quevega to be in good form as she goes for a repeat success.

“Were very pleased with the way she’s come out of Cheltenham and I’m hoping she can reproduce her form,” said the Co Carlow handler.

He is also happy with his two other runners.

“I’m happy enough with Mourad and I think he’s improved all season,” he went on. “We are just going to give Mikael d’Haguenet a run over hurdles as he hasn’t exactly fired over fences.

“We’ll just see what he can do over hurdles. His form this year wouldn’t give him any chance but this will just be a bit of confidence for him.”