Jockey clings on without irons for '1,000-1 win' at Musselburgh

RACEGOERS at Musselburgh were treated to an incredible display of horsemanship yesterday as young jockey Matt Crawley won on a runner which traded at 1,000-1 in running after his saddle slipped and he lost his irons for the final mile of the hurdles contest.

• Matt Crawley bravely rides on after his saddle slipped to win on Lastroseofsummer at Musselburgh yesterday Picture: John Grossick

Conditional rider Crawley, who still hasn't earned his full jockey's licence, ended up with both legs on the same side of 11-2 shot Lastroseofsummer. But the claimer not only remained on board by clinging to her neck, he set about trying to win the race in the opening eight-runner Scottish Racing Mares' Maiden Hurdle.

Despite a hairy moment at the final flight, the filly ran out an easy two-and-a-quarter-length winner from 3-1 favourite Madamlily. Although the exhausted jockey was finally unseated after the line, a beaming Crawley still received a hero's welcome upon his return to the winner's enclosure.

He explained: "She was jumping a bit scratchy and she just got a bit high in front at the second flight down the back straight. We landed steep and my iron went from the left and as I tried to get the right one back in, the whole tack went to the side.

"She was still going well - If she wasn't, I'd have pulled her up. So I kicked the other one out and after that she jumped brilliantly and ran on and did it easily.

"I don't know how I did it and you don't really think about it. You just keep trying and she actually jumped better with me on her back than when I was up in the air.

"She really got into the rhythm of it and when I tried to pull her up I went out the front door. I've come all the way from Newmarket and I knew we had a chance. Luckily it paid off."

As the drama unfolded, the betting exchanges witnessed some chaotic trading as the winner drifted to 1,000-1 during the race. Incredibly, 69 was matched at that price on Betfair, and a further 1 at 990-1, leaving backers celebrating a monumental success and the reckless customers who wrote off Lastroseofsummer counting the cost of laying very generous odds.

Newmarket trainer Guest is more used to saddling winners on the Flat, and was keen to heap praise on Crawley, saying: "He got a standing ovation from the public and rave reviews from the commentators, it was great to see. I think most other jockeys would have pulled her up. It was wonderful bravery and an amazing recovery. Matt jumped four hurdles without his irons and went about six or seven furlongs, having dropped back to sixth or seventh at one stage.

"They parted company after the line, but he was just tired I think, which is perfectly understandable - she went one way and he went another. Both horse and rider were 100 per cent fine.

"He doesn't work for me, he's with Lucy Wadham but rides freelance.

"She (Lastroseofsummer) is the only jumper we have, Matt has been down to school her for me and as he had done all the work on her it was great that he could ride her.

"We never have hurdlers, really, but the owner felt it wasn't worth selling her in the current climate, so we schooled her. She went well and we were happy with her and we thought we would have a go.

"She likes good ground, which is why we sent her up to Musselburgh. I should think he will keep the ride on her after that!"