A trip to Auteuil beckons for Apple Away after taking Listed honours at Perth last week. The Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore-trained mare stayed on dourly in a fascinating three way finish to beat Ruby Island. Harry Skelton looked to have the race sewn up on Panic Attack, but his motion in the saddle mirrored that of his mount’s name as she began to weaken late on.
Apple Away has been somewhat frustrating since her Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ victory at Aintree in 2023. Four wins (one in the stewards) have come over fences from 13 starts, along with 8 further placed efforts.
The Arctic Cosmos daughter evidently still retains ability, and connections now set their sights on a return to hurdles. Lucinda Russell told the Old Gold Racing syndicate who own the mare, via At The Races: “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. And she gets the mares’ allowance too.
“The plan would be to set off at the start of the week of the race. I think Derek 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. We’re just completing all the tests and admin now, and God willing, we’ll be on our way to France!”
Apple Away to face rejuvenated Home By The Lee
Apple Away might not be the only international raider, as she could line up against Home By The Lee. The veteran is in the form of his life, having won the Cheltenham Stayers Hurdle at the fifth time of asking. He then backed that up in a facile manner at Aintree, and Auteuil was pinpointed after the race by Joseph O’Brien. The 11-year-old was sixth in the race in 2024, won by star French stayer Lossange Bleu. That one could only manage second in the race last season however, won by El Clavel.
International raiders have only won the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil three times in the last ten years, the last in 2019. Willie Mullins won it with Benie Des Dieux in 2019 while Nicky Henderson added to Paul Nicholls success a year later in 2017.