JEREMY CLARKSON’S horse ran out of gas after taking the lead on debut – as ‘unbelievable scenes’ occurred in the bonkers Uttoxeter race.
Well-backed throughout the day but sent off 11-2, The Hawkstonian travelled strongly throughout the two-mile race for Sun Racing columnist and top trainer Ben Pauling.
The eye-catching grey made good ground under jockey Ben Jones but ultimately ran out of gas to finish a respectable sixth.
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But despite his famous owner and eagerly-anticipated debut, the story of the race belonged to the bonkers Rochester Brinks.
The 28-1 outsider wore a hood to help him concentrate but it made absolutely no effect.
And the Sky Sports Racing hosts were left stunned when, veering sharply right, the horse jumped a fence.
The race was officially a bumper – which is a flat race for jumps horses where no hurdles or fences are negotiated.
They are designed to get young, future National Hunt runners used to raceday and to give them some experience.
But Rochester Brinks looked like he was ready for the Grand National now as he unexpectedly popped a fence after running out of the course.
Poor jockey Daire McConville was absolutely helpless as the horse made a beeline for the fence.
And he would have been thinking the worst as the five-year-old gelding kept picking up speed going into it.
But, as TV host Dave Orton said, there were ‘unbelievable scenes’ as the horse pinged the flight and landed safely on the other side.
The race was eventually won by 11-4 Fresh Perspective for jockey Gavin Sheehan and trainer Jamie Snowden.
Prize money went down to fourth, meaning Clarkson and his Old Gold Racing syndicate pals just missed out on some cash.
Still, bigger and better things await The Hawkstonian so he’s a horse definitely worth following.
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