Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh got off the mark at the Cheltenham Festival when Quevega ran out a seriously impressive winner of the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle.
Mullins had stated before the meeting that he believed the five-year-old was his best chance of a winner all week - and she did not disappoint.
Walsh oozed confidence and tracked Chomba Womba before moving into contention at the second-last.
Once he pressed the button, the 2-1 favourite scooted clear to leave daylight back to runner-up United, who was thumped by 14 lengths.
Aura About You was third, another short head in arrears.
Mullins said: ‘I don't know what happened at the start - she was last when the tapes went up.
‘Luckily they didn't go a gallop for the first mile.
‘But once Ruby got her into the race, she was fine.
‘I thought she was my best chance of the week but I was surprised by the margin of the win.
‘She's a very good mare - at least she's proved that she's the business.’
