A remarkable feat was achieved in modern British horse racing history as a relatively unknown horse, Blowers, emerged as the longest-priced winner. Trained by former Grand National-winning jockey Nigel Hawke, the five-year-old gelding had a lackluster track record prior to this unexpected victory.
Blowers, who had previously suffered a significant defeat in a point-to-point Flat race and was pulled up on his hurdles debut, defied the odds at 300-1 in a maiden hurdle at Exeter. Jockey James Best guided Blowers to a surprising victory, fending off the favorite On The Bayou to cross the finish line first by three quarters of a length.
The astonishment of the upset was palpable as racecourse commentator Mike Cattermole exclaimed, “Blowers and James Best are going to see this out for a huge upset. Oh my goodness!”
By clinching victory at such high odds, Blowers surpassed a record that had stood since 1990 in Britain. The bookmaker Coral reported taking 82 bets on the underdog, with the largest wager being a £2 each-way single bet.
Commenting on the unexpected triumph, Coral’s John Hill remarked, “Christmas has come early for the 82 punters who backed Blowers at odds of 300-1. They clearly saw something in the horse that us bookmakers didn’t. The Nigel Hawke-trained horse has broken a 35-year record, and is now the longest priced winner in British racing history.”
Nigel Hawke expressed his pride in Blowers’ performance, noting the horse’s potential despite his past challenges in races. Hawke highlighted the importance of controlling Blowers’ energy and praised Jockey James Best for a superb ride that showcased the horse’s capabilities.
Following the race, an inquiry was conducted into Blowers’ unexpected improvement in form. Hawke’s explanation that the horse had settled better under the new riding strategy was duly noted by the stewards.
Overall, Blowers’ historic victory has captivated the racing community, highlighting the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport.