Watch HUGE shock at Cheltenham as dramatic last-fence fall gifts Rachael Blackmore 999-1 winner

Sam Morgan

Published: 16:17, 17 Mar 2022
Updated: 10:04, 11 Nov 2022

THIS is the shocking moment leader Galopin Des Champs falls at the final fence with the race at his mercy to gift victory to Rachael Blackmore.

Paul Townend looked an easy winner on the Willie Mullins-trained runner - provided he got over the last safely.

Galopin Des Champs had the race at his mercy only to stumble upon landingCredit: Reuters

Townend was sent flying at the last just when he looked the easy winnerCredit: Reuters

Blackmore coasts past on Bob Olinger for the most unlikely of victoriesCredit: PA

But it was to prove his undoing as he stumbled on landing, sending Townend to the deck.

Blackmore, 32, looked beaten in behind but have been praising her luck as she safely navigated the last to trot home to win in the opening race.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead: "That's not how you want to win.

"We lose races like that as well and unfortunately it just happens.

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"This game is just mental isn't it? Always expect the unexpected.

"We have to celebrate it but we don't want to win a race like that."

Olinger went off 6-5 second-fav while Galopin Des Champs was 5-6 fav.

Fortunately both horse and jockey were up OK after the incident.

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Blackmore said: "It's fantastic to win but no one likes to win like that and I'm glad Paul and Galopin are up OK.

"Four out I wasn't delighted with him, I thought he would be travelling better.

"I was never going to catch Paul if he stood up.

"Strange emotions but, Jesus, it's unbelievable to get a winner."

Incredibly, some £39,000 was matched on Galopin Des Champs at the shortest odds of 1.01 on the Betfair exchange.

Bob Olinger hit 1000 - which equates to 999-1 - and a total of £10.10 was matched on him at that price.

Blackmore must have some sort of magic hold over this final fence at Cheltenham because it was back in November she won there when another horse in the lead fell.

It what punters called a 'never-before-seen' incident, Blackmore's horse Gin On Lime crumpled on landing like rival My Drogo.

But where as Harry Skelton went flying, Blackmore showed unbelievable balance and poise to get the horse back onto her feet and win.