Horse Racing news: Lucinda Russell: Apple Away en route to French Champion Hurdle

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!”

Old Gold Racing’s Chief Executive Officer, Ed Seyfried, commented: “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 is Old Gold Racing’s most successful trainer and the leading syndicate recently spent a morning at Lucinda Russell’s yard, compiling a fascinating documentary on the leading Scottish trainer’s yard to celebrate the leading syndicate’s new horse with Russell, Watery Borren, as well as Apple Away, Spadestep, Kingston James and Killybeg Jet Lady. The documentary can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRxmTrq2xdg

Shares in Watery Borren can be purchased here: https://oldgoldracing.com/horses/watery-borren

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