G2 Elite win for Getaway’s Verdana

Ultra-tough Getaway mare Verdana Blue (6m Getaway-Blue Gallery, by Bluebird) recorded her biggest success to date on Saturday when landing the G2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.

Trained by Nicky Henderson for Crimbourne Stud, the six-year-old took the lead at the final obstacle to score by two and a quarter lengths.

Verdana Blue, who was bred in Ireland by Edmond Kent, is unbeaten in three starts this season (pictured winning at Kempton in October) and could be targeted at the G1 Champion Hurdle at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival.

“We will try and keep Verdana Blue going but she is very ground dependent,” said Henderson. “She is in the Greatwood next weekend at Cheltenham and we could take a look at that if the ground is not soft. She will end up going for the Champion Hurdle in the Spring if the ground allows but after that I would not mind switching her back to the Flat as she is very definitely not slow.”