James Bowen pulls off extraordinary feat after riding a winner with one rein

James Bowen rode one of the strangest winners of his career when snapping a rein in the early part of Chepstow's bumper and holding on as Mot A Mot stormed clear for an easy success.

The broken rein meant Bowen lost control of his mount within the first furlong of the 2m bumper, and the jockey then pressed on into the lead. Mot A Mot gradually increased his advantage throughout the race but had to avoid a scare in the final furlong when almost crashing into the wing before Bowen safely guided him to the line.

4.35 Chepstow: full result and race replay

With no rein, the jockey then struggled to pull up his mount and he was dismounted in the back straight.

Bowen hailed the help of Paddy Brennan and Onagatheringstorm who stepped in as a pony to redirect the five-year-old.

Mot A Mot and James Bowen parked out wide at Chepstow

"I've never had that happen to me and I never want it to happen again," reflected Bowen.

"The rein snapped before the post on the first circuit and I had one rein all the way around. He was on one rein, so he was always going to lean one way [towards the wing]. It went where I was holding it so I'm glad there were no jumps there. Fair play to the horse, he's very genuine."

Paddy Brennan and Onagatheringstorm helped out James Bowen and Mot A MotCredit: Bill Selwyn / Pool

Six-time champion trainer Nicky Henderson watched the race from home and believes it is a worthy ride of the season.

"It was extraordinary," he said. "It won't be far away [from ride of the season], someone will have to do something remarkable to top that.

"When I watched it happen I couldn't see the horse but it was amazing to watch. I've always liked the horse and he must be pretty decent. It's one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen but also some of the best horsemanship."

Another great ride:

Ride of the decade contender as ironless Morgan's mount defies high of 499-1

The in-running comment

Made all, right rein snapped soon after start, went clear but hung right with one circuit to go, reduced lead after 3f, niggled along and increased tempo 4f out, 5 lengths ahead 2f out, clear 1f out when almost hit hurdle wing, kept on

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