Ricci delighted by Vroum Vroum Mag win

Owner Rich Ricci says Vroum Vroum Mag will be "entered in everything in March" following her Grade One win at Leopardstown.

Ruby Walsh steered the Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old to victory at the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown on Wednesday.

Walsh was well positioned on the shoulder when Patrick Mullins and Shaneshill fell at the final fence, and cruised to victory in the Grade One race on the run-in ahead of stablemate Clondaw Warrior, ridden by Ruby's sister Kate Walsh, with Snow Falcon under Noel Meade in third.

It was the mare's 11th win in 12 races, with the only defeat coming at Fairyhouse earlier this month, and the 11th win of the festival for Walsh.

Ricci says Vroum Vroum Mag may feature at the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Ryanair Chase in March.

"She's great. The last day [runner-up in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle] was tough but all credit to Apple's Jade, who is a tough mare," Ricci said.

"We always thought this mare was special so while Vroum Vroum Mag was beaten fair and square, I knew she'd come on for the run.

"She idled a bit after the last and was quite keen early. I was worried about the trip but she got it.

"She's special and Willie is a genius, we're very lucky to have these horses.

"If we'd had an uninterrupted run with Faugheen and Annie Power she'd probably have been back over fences this year, so she could go back over fences when the two big ones come back.

"Next year she could be a Gold Cup mare. We've always thought she was a staying mare - she can do anything.

"She'll be entered in everything in March, she could even be a Ryanair horse once the other two (Faugheen and Annie Power) come back.

"She's an incredibly versatile mare."

Photo (Inpho)

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