Foster opens account at Cullentra with Defi Bleu Denise ‘Sneezy’ Foster sent out her first winner since taking over the reins at Cullentra House Stables earlier this week as Defi Bleu made most to land the Tomcoole Farm Ltd Beginners Chase at Wexford. Foster took over the powerful string near Longwood after Gordon Elliott’s training licence was suspended for six months by the IHRB last Friday following an investigation into an image on social media which showed him sitting on a dead horse. The Saddler Maker gelding was a useful sort over hurdles being placed in Grade 2 company and also third in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham. He was off the course for 18 months before sent chasing this season with the pick of his runs over fences being a third to Blackbow at Navan. The Gigginstown-owned eight-year-old was an easy to back 4/1 chance for this four-runner 3m1f event and looked vulnerable as odds-on favourite Opposities Attract loomed up to challenge in the straight. However, the 8/13 shot didn’t find as much as anticipated and a mistake at the last sealed his fate as Defi Bleu kept on best under Jack Kennedy to score by two and a half lengths. Kennedy said, "His first run over fences was very promising. He fell the second day and disappointed after that. It's lovely to get off the mark over fences with him. "That's a great start for Sneezy and long may it continue. Hopefully we will have plenty of luck together now." Foster later reported by phone, "It's great for Jack, the horse and the whole team at Cullentra House. "It's a great lift for the whole team who have been doing such a great job and I'm just delighted for each and every one of them." (DM & AM)
