FOR the fifth year in succession, the Grade 3 Quevega Mares’ Hurdle went to Willie Mullins but it was the talented Elfile rather her stablemate and last year’s winner Laurina who took centre stage for the champion trainer.

After pulling up on her last two starts over fences, Laurina looked much happier back over hurdles and the 11/8 favourite loomed upsides the Kenny Alexander-owned Elfile at the second last flight. However, Laurina could find no way past the determined Elfile (6/4) and Danny Mullins from the turn in and the winner kept on strongly to cross the line two and a half lengths ahead of the staying-on Black Tears with Laurina a further three parts of a length away in third.