Edredon Bleu faultless winning at Wincanton

Edredon Bleu almost certainly signed off for the season with a faultless display of jumping to make all the running in the Betfair Chase at Wincanton today.

Supporters of the 1-5 shot never had an anxious moment as the 12-year-old gave an exhibition round under Jim Culloty.

Ruby Walsh tried to stalk Edredon Bleu on Exit Swinger, but his mount was just not good enough to put in a serious challenge to Henrietta Knight’s veteran.

Edredon Bleu just had to be kept up to his work to hold Exit Swinger easily by a length and three-quarters.

The first two outclassed the other three runners, with Dalcassian Buck 27 lengths further away in third.

Edredon Bleu was winning for the 20th time in 40 starts, his victories including the 2000 Queen Mother Champion Chase and this winter’s Pertemps King George VI Chase.

A delighted Miss Knight said: “I can’t see him turning out again this season.

“Although he won very easily it would be greedy to go for the Jim Ford Challenge Cup back here, and the three miles one and a half furlongs is too far for him anyway.

“There is also Punchestown to consider, but I’m not keen on it because those fences definitely do not suit his style of racing.

“He’s been invited to lead the parade for the Queen Mother Champion Chase and so will be at Cheltenham, and I’m sure he’ll think he’s going racing.”

The Wantage trainer outlined next season’s plans for Edredon Bleu.

She said: “It looks as if his next race will be the Desert Orchid Chase back here in the autumn, followed by the Haldon Gold Cup and the Peterborough Chase.

“He would only run in the King George again if the ground was good, or good to soft at worst.

“He’s been great for racing and has come back to a terrific reception.”