News: AK Bets Perth Festival Day One review

An Apple Away keeps the Perth racegoers happy  

Apple Away was a very popular 9-4 winner of the £32,500 Robertson Homes Fair Maid Of Perth Mares’ Chase (Listed) at day one of the AK Bets Perth Festival.

Trained by Lucinda Russell and ridden by Derek Fox, she stormed home clear of Instit.

“That was great to see as she had a hard race at Cheltenham,” said assistant trainer Michael Scudamore. “Dropping back to three miles helped as well and I’d imagine that would be her done for the season now.”

Sounds Russian, trained by Ruth Jefferson and ridden by Brian Hughes, was a game winner of the £25,000 British EBF Gold Castle ‘National Hunt’ Novices Hurdle’ (Listed).

“It’s his first time going right-handed and the first time he has won over hurdles,” Jefferson said. “He’s back over fences next season with Brian already mapping out the Charlie Hall Chase and then the Betfair Chase as his first two races.”

Perth Racecourse’s 2024 season continues on Thursday, 25th April with the second of three days of the AK Bets Perth Festival – for more information and to book tickets, visit: www.perth-races.co.uk.