The eagerly anticipated race between Gordon Elliott's Apple's Jade and Willie Mullins' Faugheen ended in disappointment for the latter as Jack Kennedy prevailed in the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown.
There was a disaster ending for Ruby Walsh and Faugheen who took a fall as they approached the home straight. The fall came at the second last hurdle. It meant there was a wide winning margin and an easy ninth Grade 1 victory for the winner.
Thankfully, Faugheen was spotted upright and walking with Ruby Walsh after the fall.
Disaster for Faugheen. Apples Jade easily wins the Christmas Hurdle after Willie Mullins' star suffers more #Leopardstown agony #RTEracing pic.twitter.com/Ho8RfoulVB
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) December 28, 2018
Both Faugheen and Ruby Walsh get their feet and thankfully look okay after that fall in the #Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle https://t.co/GH2aAVUuJb #RTEracing pic.twitter.com/ZqkaA6F9oz
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) December 28, 2018
The race was a step back up in trip for Apple's Jade after her 20-length win at Hatton's Grace last time out but there was no let-up in intensity in a dominant showing.
Speaking after the race, trainer Gordan Elliot was optimistic about the future: "She'll be entered in everything!"
