Miracle man! Charlie Todd wins on First Man after amazing final-fence recovery

Charlie Todd was preparing to hit the ground as First Man slipped on landing at the final fence, but the pair made the most miraculous of recoveries to survive, regain momentum and get back up to win the finale at Wincanton.

Todd partnered the 7-2 favourite in the 3m1f conditional jockeys' handicap chase and looked well in control on the Oliver Greenall-trained runner approaching the last.

But that final leap is so often the hardest, and First Man slipped in the Somerset mud on landing as his head crashed against the floor while his legs hurried for balance. Todd was bracing himself to come off before the horse found his feet, although his lead had been handed to Dont Be Robin.

However, in determined style Todd and First Man regained their momentum, charged for the line and pinched victory in a frantic finish to the finale.

Watch First Man's dramatic win at Wincanton

Todd, riding his 27th career winner, reflected: "I thought I was coming off, that's what I felt was happening, but he got back to his feet. It was great, big credit to the horse to getting back up at the line."

The win continues an excellent run for Greenall, his fourth success from his last five runners.

Comeback king

Alan King pulled off a training masterclass to ready Messire Des Obeaux for a first success since his 2016 Challow Hurdle win, leaving a stunned Daryl Jacob in awe and calling the trainer a genius.

The eight-year-old has suffered injury problems since his Grade 1 breakthrough and he was not seen on a racecourse for nearly three years after huge third-placed efforts at Cheltenham and Aintree in the spring of 2017.

Messire Des Obeaux: back to winning ways at WincantonCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

He made a respectable comeback at Huntingdon in February and Jacob believes just making his debut over fences in Wincanton's 2m4f novice handicap was an achievement in itself – the fact he won, left the jockey ecstatic.

"I'm thrilled," said Jacob. "We've had two very, very good training performances recently – David Cotton winning with Edward D'Argent [after two years off] in France and Alan King getting this guy back. To do what they've done is incredible. Alan and his team deserve massive credit for this – he is a genius."

Messire Des Obeaux put in a display of a Graded-level performer in a handicap. Backed into 7-2 (from 10-1), the winner bowled along in front and kept on determinedly to hold off favourite Coconut Splash by two and a quarter lengths.

"He was a very good horse back over hurdles," the jockey added. "We'll go day by day with him and it's all about keeping him sound. We're going to enjoy today as it was a big moment to see him back on the track, never mind winning."

Super Sam

The highly regarded Sizable Sam lived up to his lofty reputation with a convincing first success over obstacles in the 2m4f novice hurdle.

The five-year-old stepped forward from his second-placed effort here last month to make all in a one-and-three-quarter-length success.

"I think he's got ability," said trainer Jeremy Scott. "He struggled with the ground and Matt [Griffiths, jockey] said he felt better the last day because of the going.

"We'll see what's around in January, hopefully on better ground, probably something like a Class 3. This season we're very much looking after him with the future in mind."

Results, replays and analysis

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