Quevega Mares Hurdle: Cheltenham Festival hope Gala Marceau beaten as Hispanic Moon springs Punchestown shock | Racing News

Dual Grade One winner Gala Marceau finished third as Hispanic Moon won the Bet Victor Quevega Mares Hurdle at Punchestown.

Gala Marceau had some tough battles with Lossiemouth last season, but was unable to secure a victory this time.

Although Gala Marceau had a top-level win in France and was expected to do well in Grade Three level races, she struggled in the tough conditions at Punchestown.

Hispanic Moon, ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, emerged as the winner, with Coral adjusting the odds for the Cheltenham Festival accordingly.

Robbie Power, the winning trainer’s race planner, expressed his satisfaction with Hispanic Moon’s performance and hinted at a possible entry in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Regarding Gala Marceau, Mullins mentioned that she ran keen and was disappointing, despite a promising run in Doncaster.