Drama as 11-10 favourite unseats at first - then almost causes chaos

Monday: Southwell

There was a dramatic start to the 2m4½f novice handicap chase as the Laura Morgan-trained Captain Ivan, sent off the 11-10 favourite, unseated Adam Wedge at the first fence.

The eight-year-old, who was well fancied after a second at the track earlier this month, subsequently ran loose, almost causing chaos for the two remaining horses in the feature contest.

Both Sean Bowen aboard Salley Gardens and Jack Hogan on Zoffalee had to be alert to avoid Captain Ivan as the loose horse made a nuisance of himself.

However, the remaining runners successfully completed the race, with Bowen prevailing on the Olly Murphy-trained chasing debutant, extending his early lead in the jockeys' championship.

How it happened

Captain Ivan slows at the first fence, thrusting Adam Wedge from the saddleCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Adam Wedge is unseated from favourite Captain Ivan leaving just two still standingCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Captain Ivan runs across Zoffalee, making life difficult for Jack HoganCredit: Sky Sports Racing

The loose horse looks as though he won't be causing any more problems with just under two circuits leftCredit: Sky Sports Racing

The riderless Captain Ivan suddenly veers across the first fence in the back straight, leaving the remaining riders little time to reactCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Sean Bowen, on eventual winner Salley Gardens (blue), does well to readjust and safely negotiate the fence with the distraction of the loose horseCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Frustration for Wedge and Morgan was short-lived after they combined to take the 2m novice hurdle with 1-12 favourite Tardree.

Reflecting on the incident, Wedge told Sky Sports Racing: "I probably should have had the revs up a little bit more but stepping up in trip I didn't want to go and light him up and he's just gone and done that. These things happen unfortunately."

Morgan said: "I thought he was my best chance of the day but never mind. We've had a lot of seconds lately and it's been a bit frustrating.

"Tardree has been an absolute legend for us, he was very unlucky at Stratford the other day, he just got collared on the line."

Double delight

Kielan Woods, Alex Hales and Golden Equinox Racing took the valuable feature at Worcester on Sunday with the evergreen Solo Saxophone and the combination were on target again with a horse at the opposite end of her career when Queens Highway made a winning debut in the mares' bumper.

The 14-1 success completed a double on the day for Woods, who already guided evens favourite Serjeant Painter to a first win over fences in the opening 2m handicap chase for Ben Pauling.

Watch the replay of Southwell's dramatic three-runner chase

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