Chaos in Cheltenham finale as jockeys sent sprawling after two horses clip heels

The finale on Cheltenham’s first day of racing for the new season proved dramatic as two horses exited the 2m½f maiden hurdle on the run to the final flight.

Davy Russell’s mount An Mhi, trained by Gordon Elliott, was vying for a place when clipping heels with eventual runner-up Deere Mark on the Flat.

An Mhi’s fall happened directly in front of the Paddy Brennan-ridden Evenwood Sonofagun, with the Fergal O’Brien-trained hurdler brought down in the incident.

Elliott said: "Davy said the horse just clipped heels, but horse and jockey are up, which is always the main thing."

An Mhi clips heels and comes down first, before bringing down Evenwood Sonofagun immediately behindCredit: Racing TV

A couple of jockeys reported to stewards that their mounts had slipped on the ground in earlier races – conditions were described as good to firm, good in places – but Russell said the ground was no factor in An Mhi’s fall.

Russell said: "I'm okay. We just clipped heels." Asked if the ground had contributed to the spill, he said: "God no – it's beautiful ground."

All horses and jockeys were reported to be fine by the Jockey Club following the race, with victory going to Fennor Cross who sealed a double for John McConnell.

Winning jockey Simon Torrens said: “There was some drama, in behind and in front of me too. I was always happy enough coming to the second last and it would've taken a fair one to come past me.

“The ground is beautiful, it looks worse than what it is. I suppose it's a maiden hurdle so around the likes of here you can expect drama.”

Stewards inquired into the incident but found the interference between Deere Mark and An Mhi to have been accidental.

Members' Club subscribers can watch a replay of the race here

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