Lucinda Russell has told Old Gold Racing that their star mare, Apple Away, is set to be the leading syndicate’s first French runner in the French Champion Hurdle in May.
The Grade 1-winning mare runs in Wednesday’s Listed Fair Maid Of Perth Mares’ Chase, which she won two years ago, and Russell is planning on using the race as a stepping stone to the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil on Saturday 16th May at Auteuil.
Speaking to Old Gold Racing, Russell said: “We are absolutely delighted that Apple Away is heading back to the track. She’s been in fantastic form at home and is really looking super. Derek schooled her the other day and he’s as happy as she is – they both came back grinning!
“The race at Perth is one she’s won before, but this year’s race looks a hot renewal. Panic Attack was one of the favourites for the Grand National this year and she clearly brings in a high level of form. It’s a very high-quality contest, so we’d be thrilled with a competitive run.
“If she runs a nice race, our next aim would be the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil in mid-May. While it’s known as a hurdle race, it’s run over brush fences, so it’s not too far away from our chase races.
“It’s a very valuable race in France and it’s normally run on softer ground, so we felt that after she’d had a bit of a break in the winter and recovered from an injury, it would be a nice race to aim at after Perth. We’ll make a final decision after Perth, but if she runs well, then we’ll be heading to Auteuil with the Old Gold Racing team armed with a bunch of a French phrasebooks!”
