Edredon Bleu — French‑bred National Hunt chaser and Champion Chase winner

Breeding and characteristics

Listed as AQPS (Autre Que Pur-Sang, literally "other than thoroughbred"), Edredon Bleu came from the French tradition of producing robust jumpers that frequently transfer well to British National Hunt racing. AQPS horses are often crossed with thoroughbreds to emphasise stamina and jumping ability, traits prized over the larger fences and varied courses of steeplechasing. Edredon Bleu was celebrated for his durability, consistency and aptitude for big-field, high-pressure chases.

Racing career and major wins

During a career that lasted about ten seasons he competed at the highest level of National Hunt racing. His victory in the 2000 Queen Mother Champion Chase placed him among the leading two‑mile chasers of his era; that race, held at the Cheltenham Festival, is the championship contest for specialist speed chasers. Three years later he added the King George VI Chase, a prestigious three‑mile classic at Kempton Park run on Boxing Day, showing his capacity to be competitive across differing distances and conditions.

Legacy and importance

Edredon Bleu is remembered as an example of cross‑channel breeding and training success: a French‑bred who became a mainstay of British chasing. His career total—25 wins from 57 starts—illustrates notable longevity and soundness in a discipline where injuries and early retirements are common. Winning two of the United Kingdom’s most important chase races secured his place in modern National Hunt history.

Retirement and death

After retiring from racing he lived into old age for a sport horse, and was euthanized on 28 September 2018 at the age of 26. His passing was marked by the racing community as the loss of a durable and versatile champion whose achievements remain part of the festival and Boxing Day race narratives.

Notable facts

• Raced approximately for ten seasons with 57 starts and 25 wins.
• Winner of two of British National Hunt racing’s most prestigious events: the Queen Mother Champion Chase (Cheltenham) and the King George VI Chase (Kempton Park).
• Representative of the AQPS French breeding tradition that frequently supplies top jumpers to British racing.