I used hibernate  3.0.5 for my application  and I used
your suggested HQL Statement
Update Bill b set  b.status=1 where b.id > 1000

But unfortunately it doesn't work! I want to emphasize
again that I use hibernate under hibnerate3's
HibernateSupport of Springframework. So I ask you to
test it really and at least attach a snip of code
(just a little that required) and then promote it as
your solution if it is possible!