Remarkable recovery: chasing debutant lands win despite first-fence howler

If you didn't see it, you wouldn't believe it.

Jockey Aaron Kuru and his mount Des De Jeu were the talk of the track at Awapuni in New Zealand on Saturday after a winning effort that defied the laws of gravity.

Although warmly supported as the second favourite in a 2m maiden chase, the five-year-old seemingly lost all chance when he appeared to land too steeply and crashed to the turf after the first fence.

But, in a remarkable display of horsemanship, Kuru slid alongside the horse, keeping the partnership together despite being floored, before leaping back into the saddle as Des De Jeu scrambled to his feet and set off in the right direction.

With barely a pause to regain his irons, while managing to exchange a comment with the nearby clerk of the course, Kuru had his mount back in the race and charging after the leaders.

Des De Jeu jumped stylishly from then on to force his way back into contention with two furlongs to run. Showing no signs of fatigue, he hunted down the heavily-backed Gagarin over the last fence to race clear and seal a stunning victory.

Trainer Mark Oulaghan admitted he had written off his chances after the first-fence mishap.

"We thought he wasn't a bad sort of an animal but after the first fence I wasn't giving him too much of a chance," he said.

"I was amazed he [Kuru] got back on as I thought he was gone. He's a big, scopey horse who jumps well so we think he has a big future as a chaser."

Although he had shown plenty of emotion when crossing the line in front, Kuru was his normal understated self when interviewed after the race.

"It was his first start over the fences and he probably landed a bit steep and just went down," he said. "I don't really know and can't explain it as it just sort of happened.

"I got back on and he drew himself back into the race. He's got plenty of ability.

"After that first fence he jumped pretty well, although there's still plenty of improvement in him, so it's exciting."

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