Lucinda Rusell, Michael Scudamore and Old Gold Racing will be foraying across the sea to Auteuil on Saturday as Apple Away lines up in the French Champion Hurdle.
The daughter of Arctic Cosmos hasn’t quite lived up to expectations over fences. However, she arrives on the back of a strong performance at Perth after an injury-hit campaign. The drop back over hurdles is a fascinating move, as her record in the sphere reads 1632111. Her latest success came in the 2023 Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, and she’s an exciting contender for her syndicate’s inaugural international runner.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Michael Scudamore said: “She came back to racing with a great run at Perth. We had this at the back of our mind if everything went well there. And Old Gold were keen to go to France. It’s exciting for a syndicate like that. Hopefully, it will help raise their profile and give all their members a great occasion they won’t forget.”
“She’ll come on a fair bit from Perth” – Michael Scudamore
Apple Away has only been seen twice this season after suffering a small fracture in November. Connections are hoping that her light season will stand her in good stead for Auteuil. “She hasn’t had a full campaign and comes here fresh and well. Whereas for a lot of these horses it’s the end of their season. So hopefully that will stand her in good stead.
“She’ll come on a fair bit from Perth. She was only just ready to come back there. But because of the lack of options we had to take our chance and it paid off. The nature of the track at Auteuil, the hurdles and soft ground should all really suit her. If she can get in the first four or five for a nice bit of prize-money, we’d be delighted.”
Apple Away will face ten rivals, including the rejuvenated Home By The Lee. The veteran is in stellar form this spring, landing a memorable Cheltenham and Aintree Stayer’s Hurdle double. Joseph O’Brien told the Racing Post: “He’s very much an intended runner. He’s run well in the race before. It would be an absolutely huge way for him to end what has been a brilliant season. He’s been in great shape this year.
“He outstayed everyone at Cheltenham and he outstayed everyone at Aintree. He’s a superstar, but he’s a tricky customer you know and not an easy one to deal with.”
The pair will also face Paul Nicholls’ Henri The Second, alongside the reigning Champion Losange Bleu.