Jockey rides first winner in 322 days on 66-1 outsider involved in 1.01 shock

Thursday: Doncaster

John Kington delivered a remarkable never-say-die ride on outsider Lough Salt to topple the strong-travelling Steel Wave, who hit 1.01 on the Betfair Exchange before being touched off at the line.

The 66-1 outsider kept on bravely to steal the 3m handicap chase in a photo-finish to provide his rider with a first winner in 322 days, while South Yorkshire trainer Peter Winks was breaking a drought dating back to August 2020.

Lough Salt hit a high of 199-1 on the exchange while £1,872 was traded on the eventual runner-up at the shortest odds.

John Kington: rode his first winner of the season at DoncasterCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

A jubilant Kington, enjoying his first success from 61 rides this season, told Sky Sports Racing: "Part of the job is trying to find these winners. I haven't got a big yard or anyone big to ride for, and up in the north it's all a bit harder for the likes of me. It's grand to get that.

"It's all about ammo in this game; if you haven't got it you can't win. I knuckle down, ride out ten lots every day and I'm fairly fit. I'm here, just give me a call."

Champion chasing

Kevin Brogan extended his lead in the champion conditionals' leaderboard to eight with a 47-1 double.

He rode 10-1 shot Bartholomew J, who toughed it out in the opener, before Geometrical held off favourite Icone D'Aubrelle to land the 2m½f novice hurdle, knocking connections' Cheltenham Festival hopes of the latter, who is entered in the Supreme, Ballymore and Triumph.

Sean Quinlan also rode a double on Thunder Ahead for Alan King, and Stop Talking for Jennie Candlish.

Bans given

Five riders picked up suspensions. Luca Morgan, Jonathan England and Peter Coleman were handed two-day whip bans, while Tom Midgley and Charlotte Jones were given a day for misconduct after a false start in the opener.

Results, replays and analysis

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