WILLIE Mullins was delighted to see Quevega do her talking on the track and win the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle for the second year in a row.

The leading Irish trainer said he was staggered by reports about a lack of zest in her recent work following 296 days out of action following a leg injury.

The mare dispelled the negativity about her chances in style as she powered clear to give Ruby Walsh his 25th Festival winner.

"She had been pleasing me at home and she did a fantastic bit of work last week," he said. "Later Ruby rang me up about reports in England she had only two legs!

"My only worry was that the horse she'd been working with was beaten at the weekend.

"She sustained an injury to a hind leg after she ran in France which was pretty bad and we had to decide whether to put her in foal or have one more go.

"So we decided to try to get her ready for the Festival and bank on having her right for today.

"Ruby gave her a confident ride, but early on she jumped strongly and he was worried she might catch the top of one.

"We'll probably run her at Punchestown next month and come back here again next year, if the injury stays away."