Dramatic end to two-runner race at Sedgefield as jockey falls off favourite

23 March 2023 , 17:24

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Sean Qulnlan hits the ground with victory in sight at Sedgefield (Image: @AtTheRaces/Twitter)

The owner of a long odds-on favourite has apologised after his horse lost its rider after clearing the last fence with victory apparently in the bag.

Telhimlisten was sent off at odds of 2-9 to record his fifth success of the month in a two-runner novices’ handicap chase at Sedgefield on Thursday.

He had pulled eight lengths clear of Grey Skies coming to the last but although jumping the fence, he jinked strides later, unbalancing his jockey Sean Quinlan who fell to the turf.

Several fingers were burnt in the process with Betfair reporting that £14,000 was matched on the horse in running at 1.01.

Describing the last fence drama, racecourse commentator Richard Hoiles said Telhimlsten, “brushed through the top, thought he’d got away with the error and capsizes, deposits Sean Quinlan a good 25 to 30 yards after the last and Grey Skies is presented with the match by the capsize of Telhimlisten at the very final obstacle. It proved to be unlucky 13."

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Telhimlisten's owner Adam McCormack tweeted: "I can only apologise to anyone who backed Telhimlisten there. I'm not there today and not sure what has happened."

The replies, many from people unhappy over the incident, included: “My grandmother would have managed to stay on its back.”

But another said: “Laughable some of these comments. Horse is doing what 25mph? Love to see some of those commenting jump off a horse at that speed.

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing later after riding a winner, Quinlan said the success did not make up for his earlier mishap.

"He's gone to pop it but for some reason two strides after he has jinked left.," he said. "He met it tight but I was quite happy with the way he jumped it. I was going forward to get him away from the fence and as I've gone forward, he's gone left and I lost my balance."

Grey Skies, trained by Donald McCain, went on to claim an unlikely win under Theo Gillard, the winner having a total of £4.67 matched at 1000 (999-1) on Betfair.

Gillard said: "Grey Skies jumped really well and Sean made it a test and went a good gallop. We were beaten but got lucky."

Jon Lees