French Champion Hurdle awaits Perth princess Apple Away

Lucinda Russell has confirmed that Old Gold Racing’s star mare Apple Away is now on course for the Grade 1 French Champion Hurdle after her tenacious winning return at Perth last Wednesday. 

Apple Away had been off the track since November, but roared past Panic Attack to regain her Listed Fair Maid Of Perth crown. Now she’s set up a fascinating tilt at Auteuil’s Racing TV Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil on Saturday May 16 at Auteuil, which features Cheltenham Gold Cup and Stayers’ Hurdle winners, Gaelic Warrior and Home By The Lee, in the current entries. 

Speaking to Old Gold Racing, Lucinda Russell said: “Apple Away was just amazing at Perth. I must admit, victory didn’t look likely halfway down the back, but her turbo kicked in and at the line she was going away from them! It was a fantastic return, and we can be quite positive in aiming her for the French Champion Hurdle now. 

“The race at Auteuil is something a bit different, but it’s normally run on softer ground which would suit Apple (Away), and she gets the mares’ allowance too. The plan would be to set off at the start of the week of the race, and I think Derek (Fox) is going to go in the lorry too. He can then canter her when they get there and have her right for the race. 

“We’ve about three weeks until the race, so we’re just completing all the tests and admin now, and god willing, we’ll be on our way to France!”

Old Gold Racing's Chief Executive Officer, Ed Seyfried, added: “What a sensational mare Apple Away is. We were hoping she’d run nicely at Perth with a view to Auteuil, so for her to win was just magnificent. It was all the more special as a real army of Old Gold Racing owners were there to see her win too, so it was just a magical day and now all we can think about is France!

“It sounds like Lucinda is delighted with Apple following her win, so all roads lead to Auteuil! She’ll be Old Gold Racing’s first runner outside of the UK and Ireland, so it’s extra special for us and we are so excited now. From day one, Apple has been a star for us and her owners, and we cannot wait to see her take her chance in a prestigious race like the French Champion Hurdle.

“We’ve spied the likes of Gaelic Warrior and Home By The Lee in the race’s current entries, and it goes without saying that they demand an awful lot of respect. However, we won’t be running from any of the opposition, and as we said before Perth, now we’ll be focusing on brushing up on our French between now and mid-May!”