TOM O’BRIEN did the ‘impossible’ when producing an amazing recovery from a near-certain fall to storm to victory.
The jockey was aboard 6/4 favourite Jimmy the Digger in the 5:00 at Uttoxeter on Sunday.
But despite leading the betting market – this was anything but a routine victory.
It all started brightly for horse and jockey when just sat in behind leaders Eureu Du Boulay and Whoshotwho.
But then disaster struck when Jimmy the Digger dived at the 8th and nearly lost O’Brien completely.
His nose scraped the floor before rearing up and veering violently right – bumping into a rival in the process.
Jimmy The Digger’s chances looked slim-to-none when dropping to the back of the six-runner field.
But O’Brien made one or two adjustments to get himself settled before heading out on the final circuit with just over a mile left to race.
The Henry Daly-trained 8yo stayed wide but crept into contention entering the final straight.
With one fence remaining, 11/2 chance Shentri led.
But with an outstanding jump over the last fence – Jimmy The Digger flew away to win by over seven lengths!
The commentator said: “When you consider the desperate blunder on the first circuit – this has been a fine a fine performance by Jimmy the Digger.”
Fans were equally blown away by O’Brien’s unbelievable save.
One said: “What a ride from Tom O’Brien on Jimmy the Digger.”
Another wrote: “Tom O’Brien wins ride of the month on Jimmy The Digger there in the 17:00. Know idea how he’s firstly recovered from the blunder mid-race and then got up to win!”
One comment read: Jimmy The Digger and Tom O’Brien – unbelievable! Surely Jumps Ride of the Year! Well done top jock!
A fellow fan posted: “Tom O’Brien has done superbly to even stay on Jimmy the Digger, yet alone win. Hell of a ride!”
One Twitter user wrote: “Take a bow Tom O’Brien on Jimmy the Digger there.”
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
