Bleu bows out

Owner Jim Lewis has confirmed the retirement of top chaser Edredon Bleu.

Lewis had indicated last month that the 13-year-old ws unlikely to race again and he is now set to begin a new life with Caroline Thorner in Letcombe Regis.

Edredon Bleu was trained by Henrietta Knight to win 19 races including the 2000 Queen Mother Champion Chase and the 2003 King George VI Chase.

The French-bred gelding also lifted the Peterborough Chase on four successive occasions but he failed to hit top form last season, finishing unplaced on each of his five starts.

Jim Culloty, who partnered Edredon Bleu to 12 wins, also recently retired from riding and Lewis believes the duo can be proud of their achievements.

He told the Racing Post: “In a way, it’s a sad day as it coincides with the retirement of Jim Culloty.

“However, it’s also a day to look back on what they both achieved and reflect how lucky we have been.”

Miss Knight also trains triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate for Lewis but she says it was Edredon Bleu who put her yard on the map.

She added: “He was here before Best Mate and he made our yard. He has been so brave and so good for racing.

“He was a great horse and a great competitor but also a great character as he had his quirks and didn’t like being caught in a field.”