Apple’s Jade will take on fellow Grade 1 winners Limini and Whiteout in the Quevega Mares Hurdle at Punchestown next week.
Gordon Elliott‘s five-year-old, a three time Grade 1 winner, is set to return to action on Wednesday in the Listed event.
Apple’s Jade was an emphatic 41-length winner at Aintree last season before winning the AES Champion 4-Y-O Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
She triumphed in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle on her most recent start in December, beating Vroum Vroum Mag at Fairyhouse .
Elliott revealed that next week’s race, where his mare will come up against former stablemate Limini, has always been the plan.
“Apple’s Jade had a little break after the Hatton’s Grace and the plan has always been to go to Punchestown for the Quevega Hurdle on the way to Cheltenham,” he said.
“She has a number of options at the Cheltenham Festival and we’ll see how she goes on Wednesday first. I’ve been happy with her and the timing of the race suits us so we’re looking forward to getting her out again.”
Apple’s Jade has an entry in the Stan James Champion Hurdle, the OLBG Mares Hurdle and the Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
