Apple Away, Grade 1 winner, faces tough Irish challenge as she aims to end season with victory

The seven-year-old mare faced a tough race at the Cheltenham Festival in March, finishing 45 lengths behind. However, she is expected to perform better in the upcoming 2023 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle due to favorable conditions and a return to a three-mile distance. Lucinda Russell, the trainer, is optimistic about the mare’s performance, especially with regular jockey Derek Fox taking over.

Russell emphasized that the mare has shown strong performances throughout the season, including a Grade 3 mares’ chase win at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day. Meanwhile, Instit, a representative from the Willie Mullins team, will also be competing. The six-year-old mare is set to race with Brian Hughes as the jockey, and trainer Gavin Cromwell expressed confidence in her form and readiness for the race.

despite missing out on the Grand National, she is considered a strong contender for the upcoming race.