A Christmas miracle - Apple’s Jade back on song to record Grade 1 win number 11

According to the popular festive jingle, on the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four calling birds.

As nice as four calling birds are, all we really wanted for Christmas at Leopardstown was an on-song Apple’s Jade and oh what sweet music she created in rocking to her 11th Grade 1 win.

Racing fans had been missing their annual fix of Apple’s Jade raising hell from the front and, after two below-par efforts in the Lismullen and Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, some wondered if those days were over.

Gordon Elliott was one of those people. Unhappy with her work, Elliott sent Apple’s Jade hunting under Keith Donoghue last week in an effort to reignite the spark.

Watch: Apple's Jade's victory here

The signs in the parade ring before the Frank Ward Memorial Hurdle were that the great mare had her swagger back as she was on her toes, which may go some way to explaining why she collapsed in the market and was sent off the 6-4 joint-favourite.

Whether it was the paddock judges or those hoping for a Christmas miracle that helped hammer in the price remains to be seen, but those supporting Apple's Jade made their voices heard after she stormed to a 17-length victory over the old boy Unowhatimeanharry.

“The crowd that came racing today, they want to see these big horses like Apple's Jade winning these races,” said Elliott afterwards. “That's what it's all about. Listen, it's unbelievable. Michael's [O'Leary] kids were out on the track with me and it was unbelievable to see it.”

Asked if he was expecting the real Apple’s Jade to turn up, Elliott responded: “I didn't think her work was as good as it can be coming into the race.

"We've had her out hunting and we took the cross noseband off her, but if I put the improvement down to one thing I'd be telling you a lie.

Apple's Jade: winner of the Frank Ward Memorial Hurdle for the third timeCredit: Patrick McCann

"It's just unbelievable to get her back but I still don't think her work is as good as what it was before. If she keeps putting her head in front, it might sweeten her up again. She's a great bit of stuff.”

There was also a word for his big-race jockey Jack Kennedy, who would later go on to provide the trainer with a memorable double by guiding Delta Work to Savills Chase glory: “He's had a lot of bad injuries but he's a serious rider and to have him back riding winners like that is great – and for Michael and Anita and all the kids here as well.”

For Michael O’Leary, he picked a good day to come racing as Saturday was the first time the man behind Gigginstown House Stud had set foot on a racecourse since announcing he was to wind down his operation back in May.

Delighted to see his star mare back, O’Leary said: “I thought she jumped really well today. I know she jumped out to her right, but she seemed to be making ground at her hurdles. She seemed really keen. She was fairly lifeless, I thought, when she ran at Fairyhouse and Navan, which is not like her.”

O’Leary added: “It looks like she's back, which is great. It's a great training performance by Gordon. Today's a bonus and it's just wonderful to see her back.”

Apple’s Jade is now five from five at Leopardstown and three from three in the Frank Ward Memorial Hurdle.

According to her owner, she may return to the track for the Dublin Racing Festival in February to contest the Irish Champion Hurdle on her next start.

O’Leary concluded: “I'd imagine she'll come back here in February. I can't imagine she'll go to Cheltenham but ultimately it'll be Gordon's decision. If she has one more bad run she's getting retired, but if she runs like that and jumps like that we'll keep going. She'll tell us herself.”

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