APPLE’S Jade was in fine fettle this week when I visited Gordon Elliott’s yard and this was in the aftermath of her recent winning return in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan. She rounded off last season’s campaign when she landed the Grade 1 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Champion Hurdle. She is now winner of eight of her 12 starts and been runner-up on the remaining outings.

Her victories also include the Grade 1 Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree, the Grade 1 Champion 4YO Hurdle at Punchestown, the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse and the Grade 1 David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. She has won a few quid short of £390,000.