Loxton strikes first blow for raiders with Berlais

Loxton struck a first blow for cross-channel trainers at Punchestown this week when Caid Du Berlais took the Star Best For Racing Coverage Champion Hunter Chase in fine style.

Formerly a high-class performer for multiple champion trainer Paul Nicholls, the nine-year-old was last seen finishing fifth behind the Nicholls-trained Pacha Du Polder in the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Ridden by Will Biddick, the 9/2 chance travelled strongly throughout and at one stage looked set for a duel with the remarkable On The Fringe bidding for what would have been a hugely popular sixth victory in the race.

In the end, however, the 13-year-old found the younger legs of Caid Du Berlais too much and Loxton’s charge pulled right away for a dominant 21-length success.

On The Fringe was narrowly beaten to the runner-up spot by Timewaitsfornoone

Loxton said, “He has been in training with Paul Nicholls and I work for Paul and I always train a few pointers. Paul asked me to pre-train him this year and because he was happy with me having him, he said to carry on so I was more than pleased with that.

“He is a lovely horse and we were fairly confident he’d be in the first three. It’s absolutely marvellous to have a winner at Punchestown.

“I’m originally from Kinvarra in Galway and met my husband on the Curragh before moving to England 30 years ago.”

(TW & AM)