A few minutes before the race was run, Gordon Elliott almost laughed at Matt Chapman when Matt suggested in the Ascot paddock that Wodhooh may potentially be a Champion Hurdle or Stayers Hurdle contender. Gordon now seems to have changed his tune about that, after his plucky mare extended her remarkable record over hurdles to eight wins from nine starts with a determined performance in Saturday's Ladbrokes Ascot Hurdle, becoming the first Irish-trained winner of the Grade Two contest since Faugheen's triumph 11 years ago.

Ridden by Danny Gilligan, Wodhooh faced a stern test from Sam Thomas's Welsh Champion Hurdle winner Celtic Dino, who made a bold bid on the front end. The Martin Pipe winner fleetingly looked in trouble turning for home, sitting four lengths adrift of the strong-travelling runner-up, but her slick jumping at the penultimate flight proved decisive.

It was clear by the final flight that she had Celtic Dino covered. The pair jumped the last in unison, but the five-year-old mare proved the stronger on the run-in, eating up the ground to score by two and a half lengths under hands-and-heels urging from Gilligan.

The performance marked an ideal seasonal return for the Cullentra House handler's charge, who had finished runner-up to Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle last spring. Her victory prompted bookmakers Sky Bet and Paddy Power to install her as 2-1 favourite for the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.   

Elliott said the race unfolded as planned, noting that Gilligan reported nearly getting to the front too soon. The jockey told his trainer that when rivals quickened turning in, he gave the mare a squeeze and she responded with typical determination.

Celtic Dino's gallant effort in defeat enhanced the form of his Chepstow victory, which had already been boosted by subsequent Greatwood Hurdle scorer Alexei. The performance suggests he remains a force at this intermediate trip despite stepping up from two miles.

When asked whether a Stayers' Hurdle would be a possibility, Elliott said "No, and I don't think a Champion Hurdle is either. But right now, if the race was run in a couple of weeks, I'd be thinking the Mares' Hurdle. A lot can happen over the next couple of months. We don't know where we are with her really as she's so lackadaisical and laid-back."