Apple Away - Grade 1 Winner

Our special mare, Apple Away, soared to an emotional victory in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, last Friday.

An extremely talented field of 15 went to post as the rain continuously fell at Aintree, with Apple met with the task of competing against two recent Cheltenham Festival winners along with being the only mare lining up.

With Derek Fox on the sidelines until Saturday’s Grand National, jockey Stephen Mulqueen made his intentions clear aboard Apple as the tapes went up – catch her if you can.

All was not plain sailing, as impressive Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner, Stay Away Fay, seemed reluctant to let the mare have an easy time of things in front. As the pair turned down the back for the first time, in what seemed a respectable gallop, all runners were still in with chances.

But that didn’t last for long. Passing the winning line for the second time, Apple finally began to find a few out whilst establishing a clear lead, yet the fancied runners still looked menacing in behind.

Four out, the last hurdle in the back, Apple and Mulqueen produced an emphatic jump as the pair began to turn into the straight for the third and final time.

15 in with a winning chance at the start was now down to nine as they turned in, yet they still had not managed to get the jockey in gold off the bridle. Nerves beginning to rise.

Three out. Ping. Stay Away Fay, Iroko and Maximilian now looked the three biggest dangers as Apple established a two-length lead after jumping the hurdle. Mulqueen still motionless and the other jockeys beginning to go through the motions on their mounts. Nerves still rising.

Two out. No stride but safely over. Mulqueen finally says go.

For the first time in the contest, the pro-cushion was drawn aboard the mare but the response was a positive one. The three in behind still breathing down the mare’s neck with the bravest undoubtedly going to prevail as they sprinted for home. Nerves through the roof.

Final fence. PING. But all was not over. Maximilian made his challenge under the champion jockey as both Hughes and Mulqueen started to throw everything at their mounts. Apple still had a couple of lengths in hand and 150 yards to go, the dream started to look like a clear reality.

“She is sticking on most determinedly, and it’s APPLE AWAY, for Old Gold Racing, who will lead them home.”

She had done it. A special performance from both Apple and Mulqueen, the pair recording their first ever Grade 1 success and the second victory in this exact race for trainer Lucinda Russell.

For Russell, and Apple’s biggest fan Peter Scudamore, Apple’s success turned out to be the first of two brilliant victories, as Corach Rambler romped home in the Randox Grand National on Saturday. Not forgetting Ahoy Senior who last years winner of the Sefton (at 66-1) fought to a strong second on the Thursday preceding.

A brilliant Aintree Festival for both Russell and Old Gold Racing. Old Gold have recently launched, Paddy De Pole, in partnership with the Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club, with a few more in the pipeline!Can any of them replicate Apple Away and her success? These stories are yet to be told - for all horses available check out our website.