Black-type for Getaway mare

The Nicky Henderson-trained Verdana Blue (6m Getaway-Blue Gallery, by Bluebird) proved far superior to her opposition when winning the Listed VIP Hurdle at Kempton on Sunday.

The Getaway mare, who had a winning pipe-opener on the Flat three weeks earlier, finished seven lengths clear of Old Guard to win the two-mile contest.

“If they run the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton on quick ground then Verdana Blue will go there and that would be my next thought. She’s not a bad mare,” said Henderson.

Bred by by Edmond Kent, for whom she won a bumper in Ireland, Verdana Blue sold for £65,000 at Cheltenham two years ago and is also G2-placed over hurdles.