Walsh explains Limini decision

Ruby Walsh has explained why he plumped for Limini in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

The jockey acknowledged how difficult the choice had been in choosing the younger horse over stablemate Vroum Vroum Mag, who won the race last year.

"I suppose I've thought for a while this was going to happen, and still at 11.30 on Sunday morning I wasn't sure (what to ride), and I suppose I've gone with recent form and Limini's recent form is better than Vroum Vroum Mag's," he told Racing UK.

"Vroum Vroum Mag has definitely done more and proven more in her career than Limini has, but there's nothing between them on ratings and not much between them on their home work and I just took a chance on Limini being the one that's improving, whereas Vroum Vroum Mag may have plateaued.

"That's only my hunch, I could very well be wrong and there's a big chance I am wrong. I've done a lot of things as a jockey, but I don't think I've ever figured out how to ride two in one race. I had to make a choice."

Gordon Elliott expects Apple's Jade to have come improved for her run behind Limini.

"I'd say she takes her racing well and she'll definitely come on for the run in Punchestown, but I'm not making excuses - the best horse won on the day," he said.

"We might struggle to beat Limini again, but I think Apple's Jade will be a better horse in Cheltenham and a lead would help, as she's idle enough.

"She obviously was the best filly on the day in the Hatton's Grace - she won it - but it's all about being the best on the day.

"On another day Vroum Vroum Mag could beat her, she could beat Limini.

"I'm lucky to have her, she's won a Grade One for us this year and been second on her other three starts.

"I'm looking forward to running her."