'I thought it was all over' - in-running punters stung as 1.01 shot is collared

Saturday: Fontwell

Vorashann claimed the most unlikely of victories in the 2m3f handicap hurdle when he dramatically collared Highway One O Two in the final strides despite the leader being well clear over the final flight.

A total of £13,146 was matched at 1.01 on the Betfair Exchange in running on the 7-2 co-favourite, who looked home and hosed as he set off up the hill under Freddie Gordon with a ten-length lead.

He was quickly closed down by Vorashann, however, who got up by neck to deny him in astonishing fashion for his fourth course success.

Winning trainer Gary Moore said: "It all worked out well. If he'd have pulled him up at the bottom of the hill I wouldn't have been surprised. I thought the race was all over.

"He's kept on galloping and got some momentum coming to the second-last. The rest is history I suppose."

Moore described success as one of the "most unlikely" he had seen for some time and was quick to praise jockey Caoilin Quinn for keeping the six-year-old interested.

He added: "I'm pleased to get Caoilin [Quinn] his first winner for us. He's a good asset for the team."

How the incident unfolded

Highway One O Two turns into the straight with a healthy lead at Fontwell on SaturdayCredit: Sky Sports Racing

The leader appears to have the race in safe keeping as he stretches on up the straightCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Freddie Gordon has an anxious look over his shoulder to see Vorashann closing in fastCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Vorashann and his rider Caoilin Quinn runs down the leader to post an unlikely successCredit: Sky Sports Racing

The in-running comments

Vorashann

Prominent, struggling after 6th, hard ridden after 3 out, headway before 2 out, soon went second, 10 lengths down last, kept on strongly run-in, led towards finish

Highway One O Two

Jumped right on occasions, led, not fluent 2nd, went clear from 3rd, went further clear after 3 out, reduced lead but 10 lengths ahead last, ridden run-in, headed towards finish

Positive outlook

Chris Gordon suffered heartbreak with Highway One O Two's narrow defeat but was quickly back on track when Who Is That won under Gavin Sheehan in the following race, the 2m3½f handicap chase.

It was the second leg of a double for the local trainer, who had already struck with the Tom Cannon-ridden Red Windsor in the 2m3f novice hurdle.

Useful prospect

Zacony Rebel got Toby Lawes off the mark for the season when he made the perfect start over fences in the 2m2f handicap chase under James Bowen.

Results, replays and analysis

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