Getaway mare wins at Ascot, black-type next

Trainer Nicky Henderson is planning a step up in class for Verdana Blue (5m Getaway-Blue Gallery, by Bluebird) after the Getaway mare’s victory at Ascot on Friday. A bumper winner in Ireland for breeder Edmond Kent (pictured), she has now won three times over hurdles for her new owner Crimbourne Stud after selling for £65,000 at Cheltenham a year ago. She gave weight to all but one of her rivals when winning by three lengths in the two-mile contest with Nico de Boinville aboard.

“Verdana Blue is a nice mare and deserved that,” said Henderson. “She travelled nicely and they played into our hands. She is speedy and only wants two miles. We will look for more black type for her.”