Apple's Jade (Bryan Cooper) leads winner Limini (Ruby Walsh) over the last© Photo Healy Racing
On her first start for 298 days Limini (3/1) upset former stable companion and 2/5 shot Apple's Jade to land the Listed Quevega Mares Hurdle at Punchestown.
Apple's Jade tried to dominate this two and a half miler from the front and when Whiteout fell at the fourth last her fellow Willie Mullins hope, Limini, was left to do the chasing.
Under Ruby Walsh Limini travelled well to the last, behind the hot favourite, and when asked for her effort the Mullins runner, owned by Susannah and Rich Ricci, picked up well to gain the day.
Walsh said: "Both mares have a bigger target in about 20 days (Cheltenham).
"Here we steadied up from the fourth last up along, and it turned into a bit of a sprint to the last.
"We always knew our one wasn't short of pace but it was a good performance and it's onwards and upwards.
"She jumped very slick and accurate. She was close to the last hurdle but she was very fast at it.
"Fingers crossed she'll come out of the race and she can start her prep for Cheltenham again next week."
Mullins commented: "The conditions didn't suit us and we didn't have a run all season so I didn't really know what to expect. The fact that Ruby didn't even have to pick up his stick means she has improved a fair bit from last year.
"I'm hoping that will bring her along nicely. The mares' race is what I have been aiming for.
"She has run a stone better than I thought she would."
When asked if she might do an Annie Power and go for the Champion Hurdle he said, "You wouldn't know the way things are going but we are not going to discuss that!"
Gordon Elliott remarked of Apple's Jade meanwhile: "There are no excuses and she was beaten by a better horse on the day. The plan is still the mares' hurdle at Cheltenham.
"A bit better ground and a stronger gallop would suit her better.
"She was a bit gassy early but when she went through the line he still couldn't pull her up. Two lengths is just a good jump in one of those big races but there were no excuses today."
For the OLBG Mares Hurdle Limini is the evens favourite from 7/2 (non-runner no bet) with Paddy Power.
For the Champion Hurdle they go 8/1 from 14s.
Boylesports - Limini 6/4 from 4/1 mares hurdle, Apple's Jade 9/4 from 6/4.
Limini 8/1 from 14/1 for the Champion Hurdle.
Ladbrokes - Limini 2/1 from 7/2 mares hurdle, Apple's 5/2 from 7/4.
(AM & EM)
