Dramatic late twist denies Brendan Powell first Worcester winner in four years

A bizarre twist of fortune ended jockey Brendan Powell's hopes of breaking a four-year losing streak at Worcester in a dramatic incident on the run-in on Wednesday.

Victory appeared a foregone conclusion for Powell in the 2m7f handicap chase (5.00) on the Colin Tizzard-trained Shoal Bay, who was four lengths up on his nearest rivals over the final fence.

Brendan Powell: the jump jockey's win was due to be his first at Worcester in 1,540 daysCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

However, a slipped saddle was set to be the undoing for Powell within the final half-furlong, sending the jockey off the side of his horse and into the rails.

The win was due to be the first at Worcester for Powell in 1,540 days, but instead he sat with his head in his hands as Quartz Du Rheu swept on to score for trainer Jonjo O'Neill and jockey Kevin Brogan.

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"I had the race in the bag and the girth had obviously slipped back so far that when the saddle moved it slipped right round from underneath me", Powell told Sky Sports Racing.

"The first thing I thought was because the saddle had gone round so quickly that my leather had snapped. I could feel the saddle move back a little bit going to the last fence, but with the breast plate I thought it would be all right where it was.

"He jumped from fence to fence and galloped them into the ground. It's very frustrating, but no-one has died. Unfortunately these things happen."

How the incident unfolded

Brendan Powell and Shoal Bay have a decent advantage over their pursuers at Worcester

But there's big trouble ahead as Powell begins to drift left, with his saddle starting to slip

Powell loses his balance and heads towards the turf on the leader who looked sure to win

Powell lands on the turf, leaving Quartz Du Rheu (green and gold) to fight it out with Kabrit

Shoal Bay runs loose as Powell, who was philosophical in defeat, remains on the ground

It was a muted celebration from winning jockey Kevin Brogan, who ensured back-to-back success for Quartz Du Rheu over course and distance.

Brogan said: "I wouldn't say I'd have caught them both in front, but thankfully they're both okay. Brendan was on the ground before I saw it happen – it was a hollow victory.

"That's the way the game goes sometimes, you're either in luck or you're out and unfortunately it was for Brendan."

Shoal Bay: the in-running comment

Jumped left, led, shaken up and increased tempo 3 out, 5 lengths ahead last, ridden when unseated rider 110yds out, saddle slipped

Results, replays and analysis

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