Champion Hurdle bid for Apple’s Jade

Elliott ponders Punchestown options for Apple's Jade

Gordon Elliott says the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is now a likely target for Apple’s Jade.

The trainer had initially planned on a different race at the Festival but after Apple’s Jade secured a convincing 16-length win over Supasundae in the Irish Champion Hurdle on Saturday Elliott feels a tilt at the Champion Hurdle is now on the agenda.

‘Before yesterday I would have said that the Mares’ Hurdle was the race to go for but she ran in the Mares’ Hurdle last year and got beat,’ Elliott told Racing TV’s Luck On Sunday programme.

‘Talking about it last night and looking at the re-runs this morning – I’d prefer to get beat in a Champion Hurdle than a Mares’ Hurdle.

‘We’ll all have a view but whatever Michael [O’Leary of Gigginstown House Stud, the owner] says will go.

Speaking to him this morning, the mare is OK after the race yesterday, we’d be mad not to give it a go.

‘ Apple’s Jade will come up against Buveur d’Air if she does contest the Champion Hurdle and Elliott feels his charge can compete with Nick Henderson’s star.

He added: ‘He’s [Buveur d’Air] obviously a very good horse who does what he has to do every day and is a horse I’d love to train but we’ll take him on,’ added Elliott.

‘Up until yesterday I would have been very nervous but to do what she did yesterday was very good, she loves a battle and I think Cheltenham suits her better than Leopardstown.’

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Apple's Jade Gordon Elliott

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