GARY MOORE landed one of the biggest gambles of recent times as his 33-1 outsider won after being backed into 6-4 – but was then questioned by stewards.
Four-year-old Cephalus was absolutely hammered into favouritism and won easily under Tom Queally.
Punters watched in shock as the gelding’s price tumbled under the weight of cash.
Although it wasn’t all one way, as the horse’s price mysteriously drifted before coming back in.
And it didn’t matter that he had finished dead last in two of his past three races.
Sun Racing columnist Moore knew the former Sean Curran-trained runner was capable of better after being dropped 18lbs from six races this year.
And it seemed like punters could not get enough of him as he eventually went off the red-hot fav.
Victory was worth a little over £3,000 – but that surely is nothing compared to what the bookies had to pay out.
Punters were absolutely floored watching a Barney Curley-style plot job land.
One said: “What an absolute monstrous gamble landed on Cephalus, 33-1 into 6-4. You love to see it.”
Another wrote: “Gamble landed and what a gamble that was from Cephalus.”
One post read: “Cephalus was 33-1 this morning. Backed into 6-4 and won easily. Yard obviously knew something.”
While a fellow punter posted: “Merry Christmas to all with Gary Moore. Cephalus the Christmas bonus plot job wins easily.”
Winning jockey Queally, famed for being Frankel’s rider during his career, said: “He was in bad form and hard to deal with, he dislodged a couple of riders.
“We did less work with him and it sparked his enthusiasm.”
Moore, who was in attendance at Lingfield, was quizzed by stewards after the race.
The stewards’ report read: “The apparent improvement in form of the winner, Cephalus, compared with its previous run at Kempton Park on 18 October 2023 where the gelding finished 11th out of 14runners, beaten by 10 ½ lengths and his previous five runs for the yard was considered.
“Gary Moore was interviewed. His comments that following the disappointing run at Kempton Park on 18 October 2023, upon his return to the yard, the gelding was gastroscoped and ulcers were detected.
“Following treatment for the stomach ulcers, the yard had noted an improvement in Cephalus’ work and as such, Moore was expecting an improved run, his explanation was noted and the gelding was routine tested.”
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