14 January 2023 , 18:18
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Emotions ran high as Iwilldoit gave his small syndicate another huge payday in the Wigley Group Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick.
Diamond Racing members packed onto the winners' podium after the Sam Thomas-trained mudlover shrugged off a 383-day absence in the feature race.
Last seen conquering his Welsh National field in December 2021, when Covid-19 restrictions prevented the owners from attending, Iwilldoit (12-1) relished the stamina-sapping conditions.
As their rivals started to toil, Stan Sheppard assumed control with two fences to jump and his mount stayed on determinedly.
Bypassing the final obstacle due to the ground, Iwilldoit crossed the line with two-and-three-quarter lengths in hand from Mr Incredible (8-1), who overtook Notachance (15-2) for second in the final 100 yards.
Housebound ex-serviceman enjoys special window visit from physio's horse
Iwilldoit's heroics were especially poignant as Thomas was involved in a helicopter crash with owner Dai Walters in November.
Just a month before, the young son of Diamond Racing's founder, Dylan Morgan, had life-saving brain surgery after a rugby accident.
Wales Online reported how the full-back for Bargoed under-13s took a knee to the head when he entered a ruck.
The youngster was checked over and returned to the pitch, but he then fell ill and was rushed to hospital in an air ambulance.
Iwilldoit crossed the line ahead of Mr Incredible and Notachance (Getty)Dylan's father Christian runs the 25-strong Iwilldoit syndicate and racing manager Kevin Burgess said: "Chris has been going through a terrible time. He needed a boost and this is for him.
"Dylan is 12 and was playing rugby in South Wales back in October, he’ll be ok thankfully and he’s got some treatment yet – but it was very scary when it happened.”
Thomas, who celebrated a double on the day along with Sheppard, said: "I’m just delighted for everyone. It’s emotional."
Bridget Andrews completed her comeback from serious injury when West Balboa (12-1) capped a dream day for Dan Skelton's yard in the Coral Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle.
The Kempton short-head verdict from Red Risk followed a Warwick Grade 2 brace via Galia Des Liteaux (11-4) and Grey Dawning (9-2).
Andrews' husband Harry Skelton was aboard the pair, while Wetherby scorer Hitching Jacking (11-8f) increased the afternoon gains to a 635-1 four-timer.
Legendary chaser Altior out of danger and ready to leave hospital after colic
"It’s races like this that you come back for," said Andrews. "I had a broken neck which resulted in a long break, but I was lucky it happened in the summer.”
William Hill trimmed Pic D'Orhy's Ryanair Chase odds to 12-1 following an authoritative triumph in the Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase.
The 6-4 favourite eased home by 16 lengths in the Grade 2 event, to set up a potential clash with Shishkin in next month's top level Betfair Ascot Chase.