I saved my stepdad’s life after he had a heart attack – one week later we’re celebrating a 200-1 winner named Elfi

"Bruce, my stepfather, he actually had a cardiac arrest…"

Incredible story. Bruce Purcell survived a cardiac arrest last Thursday & he is resting up at home today watching his horse win at triple-figure odds
pic.twitter.com/bhPrc4AS29

— Racing.com (@Racing) August 4, 2022

Emma Astbury was conducting a relatively normal winner’s interview after the race when she revealed Bruce’s horror health plight.

Bruce, who less than two years ago was fighting for his life after being ‘bowled over’ by a spooked horse, was at home with wife and co-trainer Jean when he went into cardiac arrest.

Emma got a call from her panic-stricken mum and was fortunately able to rush over and revive him.

She said: “Bruce, my stepfather, actually had a cardiac arrest and had seizures last week.

“I was lucky enough to get a phone call from Mum and I was able to revive him. He’s at home on the couch with his blanket and will be watching.”

Emma was at the track to see totally unfancied filly Elfi record a memorable win.

The horse had finished last in her first two starts and traded at a whopping 616-1 in-running on the betting exchange.

However, stepping up to a mile for the first time seemed to have a transformative effect on the four-year-old.

Jockey Lewis German who guided the horse to victory admitted he thought the runner had no chance.

He said: “I didn’t really expect her to win the race, I just thought I’d be happy if she is competitive and we can go to 2,000 metres [a mile and a quarter] next race.

“I am really happy for the Purcell family and that one’s for Bruce.”