Jade De Grugy enhances Mares’ Hurdle claims at Punchestown

Jade De Grugy could yet emerge as Willie Mullins’ chief hope of winning an 11th Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival following a comprehensive comeback victory at Punchestown.

The six-year-old won three of her four starts over hurdles last season, her only defeat coming when fourth behind Golden Ace in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Making her first appearance since striking Grade One gold at Fairyhouse the following month, Jade De Grugy was sent off at 5-6 for the BetVictor Quevega Mares Hurdle – a race named in honour of the champion trainer’s six-time Mares’ Hurdle heroine.

After initially getting a lead, Paul Townend allowed his mount to take over early in the home straight and she kept on well after the final flight to score by six lengths from 40-1 outsider Mousey Brown.

Coral make Jade De Grugy a 3-1 chance from 4-1 for Cheltenham and warned she could go off favourite if Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead (1-2 favourite) and the Mullins-trained Lossiemouth (5-4) instead take on the boys in the Champion Hurdle.

“It was a lovely run, it was a nice comeback to racing,” said Mullins.

“Annie Power won this race before winning the Champion Hurdle a few years ago and it has been won in the past by a mare (Black Tears) before winning the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“She had worked nicely at home and I was very happy with her coming here. She showed me today what she had showed me at home.

“I think she’ll improve a fair bit for the race, which leaves us in a good position going to Cheltenham.

“I’ve no ground issues with her. Carrying the weight she carried today against nice opposition, I think is a good sign.”