Super sub Bleu takes King George in stride
The victory sets up the prospect of a fantastic double for the Wantage trainer ahead of stable star Best Mate’s run in the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown tomorrow.
Ridden by Jim Culloty, the unfancied 11-year-old beat Tiutchev by one and a quarter lengths, with First Gold a further length back in third.
Edredon Bleu was playing super sub as his illustrious stable mate Best Mate would have started favourite to win for the second year running before unsuitably fast going prompted connections to divert him to Leopardstown tomorrow.
In the dual Gold Cup hero’s absence, Jair Du Cochet was backed in to 2-1 favourite but the French-trained hope proved a bitter disappointment, almost parting company with jockey Jacques Ricou after a terrible mistake in the early stages.
He then trailed round at the rear of the field before being pulled up turning into the straight.
His compatriot First Gold, who won in 2000, looked to have Edredon Bleu’s measure with three fences to go but Culloty’s mount fought back over the last two obstacles to defy those who suggested three miles was beyond a horse who had the speed to win a Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
“I didn’t want to rush him when First Gold passed, but once Edredon Bleu hit the front again nothing was going to pass us,” beamed Culloty.
“My friends thought I was mad when I told them we’d finish in the first three,” added the winning rider.
This was a huge training performance by Knight, who has kept Edredon Bleu performing at the highest level for so many seasons.
“I’m not normally one to have wet eyes but I shed a tear or two today,” she said. “He’s so gutsy and economical (with his jumping).”
Knight heads to Leopardstown tomorrow with maximum confidence as Best Mate continues his preparation for a third straight Gold Cup against Ireland’s big hope - Beef Or Salmon.
Jair Du Cochet’s trainer Guillaume Macaire, however, returns to his yard near Bordeaux a deflated man.
“The horse is OK, but I am not. This was too bad to be true,” said France’s champion trainer.
“From the start he was unable to jump, just a shadow. I am very upset.”
More at ease was Francois Doumen, First Gold’s trainer.
“I’m not disappointed. That was his comeback race, the Gold Cup has always been his objective.”
