Jade handles quick turnaround
Gordon Elliott's filly had run just last week when touched off in the Fighting Fifth but she showed she was fit as a fiddle with a game win
APPLE'S JADE and Vroum Vroum Mag served up a real treat in the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, with the younger Apple's Jade narrowly coming out on top.
The two hugely-talented mares used to be stablemates, but Apple's Jade moved to Gordon Elliott in the summer as part of the Gigginstown House Stud exodus from Willie Mullins' yard.
Most disappointing on her first run for Elliott at Down Royal, the former Grade One-winning juvenile took a step forward eight days ago when just touched off in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Many were surprised to see her out again so quickly, but she rallied gamely for Bryan Cooper to inflict a first defeat in 11 races on her rival since she joined Mullins.
"I met three or four people coming in today and they were maybe slating me for running her. I'm in a lucky position to be training for the lads (Gigginstown) and they left it up to me," said Elliott of his 4-1 winner.
"We were learning a bit about her to be honest. To run in the Fighting Fifth last week and coming back here this week is a testament to how good a mare she is.
"The Mares' Hurdle in Cheltenham will be her Gold Cup. There are a couple of races at the start of February for her.
"She won't go at Christmas. She'll have one run before Cheltenham, all being well. Saying that she might run next week!"
Of Vroum Vroum Mag, Mullins said: "She was unlucky, we thought she was straight enough but we also knew how tough Apple's Jade is.
"I'm not sure where she'll go as it's not just about her, there's the others (Faugheen and Annie Power) to fit in as well."
Coney Island was an impressive winner of the Bar One Drinmore Novice Chase, denting some lofty reputations in the process.
Still a maiden over fences before this, Barry Geraghty overlooked him in favour of Anibale Fly, but he is unlikely to do so again.
The JP McManus-owned 8-1 victor provided trainer Eddie Harty with a first Grade One success in six years in the hands of Mark Walsh.
"We took a shot and it paid off. He has plenty of pace, gears and jumps great, a lot to look forward to," said Harty.
"You'd like to think he's a Gold Cup horse, but you hate to say those things, you need a lot to go right.
"If he comes out of it well we'll look at Christmas, which is only three weeks. Either that or leave him off to the good novice in Leopardstown (Dr P.J Moriarty)."
Mullins had three in the Bar One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle yet, on jockey bookings at least, it was his third choice Airlie Beach who prevailed.
Ruby Walsh rode Penhill with Paul Townend on Saturnas, but the mare Airlie Beach made all impressively under Danny Mullins to remain unbeaten at odds of 4-1.
"She jumped really well compared to my other two. Plan A worked for her anyway," said Mullins.
"We planned to jump off up there and take the race by the scruff of the neck, which she did, and she's a mare that keeps improving.
"I never dreamt that she'd be a Grade One mare. It's an extraordinary result for her and for Supreme Racing.
"She's a fantastic jumper and gallops all day."
Mullins also won the closing bumper in style with Getabird (8-11 favourite).
A good leap at the last helped JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Landofhopeandglory maintain his unbeaten jumping record in the Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle
The classy Flat performer had not been tested in his first two outings over timber and was sent off the even-money favourite to win again for Joseph O'Brien in the McManus silks.
O'Brien said: "It was a good performance. They kind of sprinted down over the last two. He had to be right and Barry (Geraghty) gave him a great ride. It was his biggest test so far.
"We'd have to think about Christmas now. It will be one step at a time with him, but you'd be delighted with today.
"It's probably as good a three-year-old hurdle as has been run in Ireland anyway."
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