THERE may well be no better hurdler in training anywhere than Apple’s Jade at present, and the mare made it three wide-margin wins out of three this season at Leopardstown on the Friday by running away with the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle.

Whether that would have been the case had Faugheen not come down two out when about three lengths behind is a matter of debate, though it is worth noting that he never traded at less than 3.9 (just under 3/1) in running, so those who put their money where their mouths are remained to be convinced.