First foal from Apple's Jade finishes second on debut Top racemare Apple’s Jade was represented by her first foal Apples Jane in Naas’ Christopher Dunne Memorial Bumper today, but the Gordon Elliott-trained filly had to settle for second place behind her stablemate Eternal Echo (16/5). Three of today’s four runners were newcomers who indeed filled the first three positions, and while Apples Jane soon led, was headed inside the final furling by Elliott’s Eternal Echo, under Harry Swan. Three-parts of a length separated Eternal Echo and runner-up Apples Jane at the line, with fellow newcomer Facile Ocean taking third. Gordon Elliott, earlier successful with Scalpnagoon, reported “the winner is a nice horse and shows a bit of pace at home. “It’s great to get the support from Maurice Regan of Newtown Anner (Stud, owner), and he’s a horse that could definitely go back and win on the Flat. He could be a dual-purpose horse.” Regarding the well-bred runner-up, Elliott added “I thought Apples Jane showed a good attitude as well: they didn’t go that fast and she’s picked up and galloped.” Top mare Apple’s Jade had been sold by Gigginstown House Stud for €530,000 following her racing career, which yielded an initial two Grade 1 wins for trainer Willie Mullins before landing a further nine top-level races for Elliott. Quotes from Alan Magee
