Lucinda Russell is targeting the French Champion Hurdle with her star mare, Apple Away. The Grade 1-winning mare, owned by Old Gold Racing, is set to make her first appearance as a French runner in the race, scheduled for May.
Apple Away’s Preparations at Perth
Apple Away is slated to compete in Wednesday’s Listed Fair Maid Of Perth Mares’ Chase. Russell views this race as a preparation for the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil, to be held on Saturday 16th May at Auteuil. She won the Perth race two years ago.
Russell told Old Gold Racing, “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.”
French Champion Hurdle Ambitions
“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,” Russell explained.
Russell added, “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!”
Old Gold Racing’s Perspective
Ed Seyfried, Chief Executive Officer of Old Gold Racing, shared his enthusiasm, “We’re very excited to see Apple Away run at Perth on Wednesday. She won this race two years ago and we have such fond memories of that day, as an army of Old Gold Racing owners were there to see her romp home.”
“She’s been off the track since November, so as much as anything, we’re just delighted to see her back, and we know that Lucinda has big plans for her. It’s thrilling that Old Gold Racing has a horse aimed at a race so prestigious as the French Champion Hurdle, so fingers crossed she can put in a good show on Wednesday, and then we can start brushing up on our French! Allez Apple!”
Russell’s Training Success
Russell is Old Gold Racing’s most successful trainer. The leading syndicate recently visited Lucinda Russell’s yard, creating a documentary to celebrate their new horse, Watery Borren, along with Apple Away, Spadestep, Kingston James and Killybeg Jet Lady. The documentary is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRxmTrq2xdg
Shares in Watery Borren are available for purchase at https://oldgoldracing.com/horses/watery-borren
Apple Away’s performance at Perth will be the deciding factor in her participation in the French Champion Hurdle.