'I wasn't letting go' - Tom Bellamy overcomes pre-race scare to win at Chepstow

Friday: Chepstow

Grasp every opportunity with both hands is how the saying goes, but in the case of Tom Bellamy just one hand will do, especially when you've been hurled to the ground on the way to the start.

The 5-6 favourite Young Butler stopped suddenly going down to post for the 2m3½f maiden hurdle, sending Bellamy crashing into the ground on his back.

As he hit the floor, the rider continued to clutch his right rein before Young Butler appeared to be spooked by the jockey's fall and threatened to run off.

Bellamy held on and was momentarily dragged across the grass but staying strong, he was able to regain his balance, calm the horse and get back on board with both unscathed.

Watch Young Butler's Chepstow's win

That effort was rewarded just a few minutes later as the talented Emma Lavelle-trained runner finished strongly up the straight to hold off Last Quarter and register a first win over hurdles.

Bellamy, who was recording a double after earlier winning on the Alan King-trained Jerminnie Green, said: "There were a few anxious moments. He just didn't like the big screen so he just stopped and I went over his head. He was odds-on, I knew he had a good chance, so I wasn't letting go.

"It's good to get this under his belt but he's a three-mile chaser in time. He's so backwards still but the ability is all there."

Bans read out

Shane Quinlan was given a five-day ban for not pulling up the tailed-off Designer Jet early enough in the 2m3½f maiden hurdle. The stewards' report stated the ride from Quinlan, who pulled up before the penultimate hurdle, was "contrary to the welfare of the horse".

Max Kendrick and Ben Godfrey also received four-day whip bans.

Results, replays and analysis

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