THIS was the race that left punters utterly stunned at how a 999-1 in-running horse finished his race.
Mr Hailstone looked done and dusted during a 2m3½f Class 5 novices’ handicap hurdle at Chepstow last Saturday.
Ursa Major Racing – Mr Hailstone – That’s unbelievable!!! @URSAMAJORRACING @itvracing @AtTheRaces
Wow just wow pic.twitter.com/dHKDSqUabs— Barry Swift (@BarringtonSwift) April 15, 2023
Mr Hailstone, in the yellow silks at the back, was miles behind as the leaders headed to the final flight
Even after skirting the faller at the last he looked too far back to mount a challenge
But thanks to an incredible burst of speed he ended up winning snugly by one-and-a-half lengths
All eyes were on Aintree for the Grand National that afternoon – but the most incredible finish anywhere in the world that day took place 184 miles away in Wales.
Luke Scott, a 7lb claimer, looked to have run his race on the Dr Richard Newland-trained seven-year-old.
The duo were tailed off rounding the home bend as 13-2 Bridge Road, 14-1 Boleyn Boy and 11-4 fav Bert Wilson slugged it out miles in front.
And even approaching the last they were trailing in sixth, a good 12 to 15 lengths behind.
But then all hell brook loose.
Bridge Road fell at the final flight, Ginderella worked wonders to avoid a collision and Bert Wilson was badly inconvenienced.
That left Boleyn Boy alone in front and seemingly with the race in the bag.
Mr Hailstone was still six lengths down at this point but kept catching the eye as the post got nearer.
With 100 yards to go Mr Hailstone sprouted wings and bolted past the tiring Boleyn Boy to win it in the most dramatic of circumstances.
The horse is owned by Ursa Major Racing and racing manager Craig Talbot said: “I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it.
“I don’t know how he did it!
“He has won really well by the line and he was still learning – now the penny has dropped you would fancy him to win again before long.
“I spoke to Dr Newland and he was as speechless as me afterwards. It’s why you fall in love with racing.”
Those who watched the race simply couldn’t believe the finish after the horse hit the maximum odds on the Betfair Exchange.
One said: “Aeroplane spotted at Chepstow! What an incredible win from our boy Mr Hailstone, magnificent!”
Another wrote: “Oh my god Mr Hailstone. What have I just witnessed there?”
While a fellow Twitter user posted: “I thought he’d pulled up! Absolutely amazing stuff from Luke and Mr Hailstone.”
It was the second bonkers win last Saturday after Sire Du Berlais came from way back to win the Liverpool Hurdle at 199-1 in-running.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/much-loved-multi-millionaire-owner-to-sell-25-of-his-horses-after-near-death-experience/
