Jockey performs miracle recovery after falling from horse - and then wins race

07 January 2024 , 15:03

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Joe Anderson clings on to the neck of Transmission after the error at Plumpton (Image: AtTheRaces/X)

Rookie jockey Joe Anderson produced one of the best rides in the history of the sport at Plumpton on Sunday.

The Huyton-born rider was riding Transmission in the Betgoodwin Sussex Stayers Handicap Hurdle when the horse made a shocking mistake early in the race.

He was catapulted over the horse's neck but managed to cling on for dear life for several strides before somehow managing to climb back on board.

He then had to ride without any irons for a part of the three-mile contest. Anderson managed to do the seemingly impossible when he got his feet back in the irons with a circuit to run.

And then he produced the Neil Mulholland trained seven-year-old to challenge the leaders turning into the home straight and a fine leap at the last secured an unlikely victory – only his 32nd career victory.

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After the race, the jockey told Sky Sports Racing: "Thank God that is over and done with.

"I thought he was going down and he did well to stand up. It's a good job he is very good at jumping."

On the recovery, he said: "It's one of them where I'll watch it back and it will make me look better than I actually am!"

Leading pundit Rishi Persad said on X: "Joe Anderson might have just produced one of the greatest rides ever!"

And broadcaster Tony Ennis said: "Joe Anderson. Oh, my days. One of the all-time great rides at Plumpton. That was incredible." Leading trainer Fergal O'Brien joked: "Joe 'Barnacle' Anderson with the stickability of a disgraced cabinet minister here. Amazing stuff."

Jason Heavey