A lot has been debated about the campaigning of Quevega. I’m kind of sitting in no man’s land between the two schools of thought. Yes, I would dearly love it if connections let her take her chance in a World Hurdle, but it would also be wonderful to see her more than twice a year. That said I am mindful of the fact that like all tough women, she has a fragile side. Also, let’s face it her owners pay the bills, it’s their decision. We can argue all we want but the fact is we’ll see her in a few weeks at Punchestown, then that will be it until next March. Until then the complexities and the delights of our lives in racing will consume us.
Whilst watching Quevega make her relentless charge to victory in her fifth Mares Hurdle, I was suddenly transported back in time; twenty seven years to be exact. My ears were filled with the sweet music of one of the greatest commentaries of all time: “The mares beginning to get up…”. Through a hypnotic state of mind I saw Dawn Run closing in on Wayward Lad in the 1986 Gold Cup, before snapping back to 2013 to see Quevega cross the line in front. Given both mares connection to the Mullins dynasty, the correlation is a poetic dream. Whatever your view on the Mares Hurdle or indeed Quevega, I for one saw beauty and history in equal measure on 12 March. The rides are not similar; Dawn Run was handy, Quevega wasn’t. However, both look beaten coming into the last with Dawn Run prevailing by a length, Quevega by a length and a half.
Maybe it’s me with the eternal rose tints on, but take a look and see what you think.
2013 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle
1986 Cheltenham Gold Cup
If Dawn Run is forever Queen of Cheltenham then Quevega’s new moniker; the first lady of Cheltenham is completely fitting.
