Jump directly to the content
JADE DEFENCE

Cheltenham Festival 2018 – Gordon Elliott’s Apple’s Jade on course for Mares’ Hurdle

Multiple Grade One winner and last year's victor Apple's Jade is the headline name among 33 entries for the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Apple's Jade

APPLE'S JADE is the standout name among the 33 entries revealed today for the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on March 13.

Gordon Elliott's six-year-old mare is already a six-time Grade One winner and is unbeaten in four starts since her memorable victory in the race last season.

</h

 Apple's Jade (centre) held off the challenge of the Mullins pair at Cheltenham
1
Apple's Jade (centre) held off the challenge of the Mullins pair at CheltenhamCredit: PA

Prior to Apple's Jade's win, Willie Mullins had dominated the race since its inception in 2008, winning the previous eight renewals.

Six of those were won by the magnificent mare Quevega, with Glens Melody (2015) and Vroum Vroum Mag (2016) completing the awesome streak.

The latter is among nine entries for Mullins this time, along with Let's Dance, Benie Des Dieux and Augusta Kate.

The British won the first ever Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but have yet to achieve their second victory.

🏇How to claim your FREE £30 horse racing bet🏇

1

2 Bet £10 or more on horse racing

3 Sun Bets will stick a £30 bet in your account

Fergal O'Brien's Colin's Sister, winner of the West Yorkshire Hurdle earlier in the season, is possibly the leading British hope this time around.

Alan King's Dusky Legend, who has been placed in the last two renewals of the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Festival, and the Warren Greatrex-trained La Bague Au Roi also feature.

Test: Is a jockey fitter than a rugby player? Find out here!
Topics