Promising Cappa takes Foxhunter

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 British 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."

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

"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."