BLEU BAGS FOXHUNTER SPOILS

March 13 2009

Cappa Bleu wins the Foxhunters.

Cappa Bleu advertised his potential with a fine performance in the Christie's Foxhunter Chase.

In a race widely regarded as the amateurs' Gold Cup, the Sheila Crow-trained seven-year-old was sent off the 11-2 second-favourite after arriving unbeaten in point-to-points this season.

However, his participation was in some doubt in the days leading up to the race because of his failure to compete under Rules due to the adverse weather.

Ridden by Richard Burton, one of the most respected amateur jockeys on the circuit, he was never far from the pace.

Turthen, under Charlotte Tizzard, emerged as a real threat at the last along with long-time leader Baby Run, but Cappa Bleu powered up the hill to win by 12 lengths.

Burton said: "He's a very special horse. It was such a good effort and I'm a bit tired.

"He found plenty and stayed on well."

Burton continued: "I was worried about getting there too early but he was always going so well.

"After getting there so easy though he didn't want to go after the last but he knuckled down eventually.

"Normally sitting on a horse you feel nervous but this fellow just exudes confidence."

Crow was delighted to land the prize, adding: "I'm absolutely thrilled, it's a lifetime ambition to win this race.

"Richard is a very good rider and did everything right on him.

"He's a very uncomplicated horse, he's happy at

home and happy in whatever he does.

"He's a very exciting horse to have, he's only seven. We bought him privately out of the Irish pointing field, we were told about him and went over and bought him. We got lucky!

"With luck he may be a Gold Cup horse in time."

Trainer Charles Fox said of the runner-up: "I think he just couldn't get up the hill but I'm thrilled to bits and I think it was a good horse that beat him.

"I'm usually too nervous to take them to Aintree but he's been over those fences before and the way he jumped today I would be tempted."

Owner William Rucker and his wife Angela may now consider the Horse And Hound Cup for Cappa Bleu, who will join trainer Evan Williams next season to be aimed at the Hennessy.

Rucker explained: "Angela and (trainer) Sheila Crow found him in Ireland, but he got travel sickness and almost died on the journey over.

"Luckily our head girl rushed him to hospital and those actions saved his life.

"Angela is keen to take him to Stratford and I wouldn't know about Aintree, but I can confirm he'll go chasing with Evan Williams next season."