Quevega made history when winning the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle for a record sixth year running at Cheltenham.

But the 10-year-old, sent off the 8-11 favourite, was made to work hard by her stable companion Glens Melody until getting her head in front in the final 100 yards.

Ruby Walsh allowed himself the luxury of easing down the amazing Willie Mullins-trained mare in the last few strides.

Glens Melody was beaten three-quarters of a length, with L’Unique the same distance back in third.

Quevega was surpassing the legendary Golden Miller, who won five successive Cheltenham Gold Cups from 1932-36, and did so in her own inimitable style.

Sirene D’Ainay made the running until she came down at the second-last flight.

Meanwhile, Walsh had made eyecatching progress on Quevega, who moved into third place before the final hurdle and set her sights on her stablemate to stride away up the hill and take her place in the record books.

Walsh said: “She’s a great little mare and that was the quickest ground she’s ran on.

“I was fairly tanking off the home turn and I was thinking I might not get Glens Melody back, but she was good.

“To come back here six times and do it, she’s 10 years of age — she has everything.

“It’s some performance from Willie to keep bringing her back and minding her and nursing her.

“It’s nice to be part of history. When they ask who won the most races at the Festival, it will be Quevega and I can say I rode her.

“I thought going to the last I’d win. Paul (Townend, on Glens Melody) was quicker than I was, but I knew halfway up (the run-in) I was going to get him.

“She’s a terrier and she has a wonderful attitude.”