The Quevega Mares Hurdle is a Grade 3 contest over 2m4f at Punchestown, and this year’s renewal features a small but competitive field of five runners. Traditionally, this race has been a stepping stone for top-class mares, and with Willie Mullins dominating the event in recent years, all eyes are on his runners once again.

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Race Overview

This year’s race looks like a battle between Jade De Grugy and Gaoth Chuil, with the rest needing to step up significantly to challenge. The going is soft (yielding to soft in places), which should suit most of the field.

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The Runners & Their Chances

1️⃣ Jade De Grugy (4/7) – The Class Act

Trainer: W P Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend
✅ Highest-rated (147) and unbeaten in 3 of her last 4 starts.
✅ Grade 3 winner over similar trips.
✅ Handles soft ground well.
❌ First run in 326 days – will she be fully race-fit?

🔹 Verdict: The one to beat if she’s ready to go after the long layoff.

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2️⃣ Gaoth Chuil (5/2) – The Danger

Trainer: T M Walsh | Jockey: D J O’Keeffe
✅ Fit from a strong second in a Listed race at Leopardstown (24f).
✅ Handles soft ground and stays further.
✅ Market support suggests confidence.
❌ Has been beaten twice when trading odds-on in-running – a concern?

🔹 Verdict: If Jade De Grugy isn’t at her best, she could take advantage.

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3️⃣ Lot Of Joy (11/2) – The Outside Chance

Trainer: W P Mullins | Jockey: D E Mullins
✅ Won a Listed mares’ hurdle at Punchestown earlier this season.
✅ Trained by Mullins, who has won this race 5 times.
❌ Well beaten last time out (48 lengths).

🔹 Verdict: Needs a big bounce back but could run into a place.

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4️⃣ Mousey Brown (22/1) – The Outsider

Trainer: D A McLoughlin | Jockey: P O’Hanlon
✅ Has winning form at Punchestown.
✅ Stays well and handles soft ground.
❌ Rated just 128 – a big step up needed.

🔹 Verdict: Would be a surprise winner.

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5️⃣ Aodhan May (28/1) – The Rank Outsider

Trainer: C Byrnes | Jockey: P Byrnes
✅ Has form at Punchestown.
✅ First-time blinkers might improve her.
❌ Unseated last time and well below the required level.

🔹 Verdict: Hard to fancy on recent form.

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Final Verdict & Betting Angles

🥇 Winner: Jade De Grugy (4/7) – If she’s fit, she should outclass this field.
🔥 Best Value: Gaoth Chuil (5/2) – Race-fit and a serious challenger.
💡 Each-Way Option: Lot Of Joy (11/2) – If she bounces back, she could place.

Betting Strategy:

• Jade De Grugy (Win Bet @ 4/7) – If you’re happy taking short odds.
• Gaoth Chuil (Win or Each-Way @ 5/2) – More value, especially if the favourite lacks race fitness.
• Lot Of Joy (Each-Way @ 11/2) – A speculative play for a place.

With Mullins’ strong record in this race, it’s likely another win for his yard – but Gaoth Chuil is a real threat if the favourite isn’t fully tuned up.

🔹 Watch the market closely before the off!