Quevega, who was retired from racing after attempting, unsuccessfully, to win the Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle at Punchestown for the fifth year running in May, 2014 (much in the same way that I never give up when I’m hoping for a win on https://www.bestusaonlinecasinos.com) , was a popular and record-breaking racemare. Foaled in France, but trained for most of her career by perennial Irish champion National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins, Quevega won the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle, now known, for sponsorship purposes, as the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, at the Cheltenham Festival in six consecutive seasons between 2009 and 2014. In so doing, the daughter of Robin Des Champs beat the previous record set by the legendary Golden Miller, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup five years running between 1932 and 1936.
At 16 hands high, Quevega was no more than average height for a thoroughbred and, some would say, diminutive for a hurdler. Indeed, her lack of stature was initially a cause for concern for Willie Mullins, who almost rejected her on first viewing. But like someone whose luck is in on real money online blackjack, Mullins need not have worried; Quevega made a winning debut for the County Carlow in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown, quickening clear in the closing stages to win, easily, by six lengths. She followed up with another facile victory in a novice hurdle at Gowran Park, where she was ridden for the first time by Ruby Walsh, before being stepped up to Grade One level. Two defeats, including the most comprehensive of her career – when ninth, and last of the finishers, beaten 54¾ lengths behind Won In The Dark – in the Eventus Marquees Champion 4YO Hurdle at Punchestown, followed.
Nevertheless, Quevega returned to the County Kildare track in February, 2009, and again won easily. Consequently, she was sent off 2/1 favourite on her first attempt to win the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – at that time, still a Grade Two event – at the Cheltenham Festival three weeks later. In the latter race, she drew right away in the closing stages to win, impressively, by 14 lengths; the rest, as they say, is history.