'There are no fairytales in racing' - McPherson out of luck with last runner

Graeme McPherson envisaged a fairytale finish to his training career, but a blunder at the penultimate hurdle from final runner Eyeofthescorpion cruelly dashed his dream.

The 7-2 second favourite appeared to be travelling well in the 2m5f handicap hurdle but made his error at a crucial point in the race as Crystal Gazing went on to win.

From Friday, McPherson will officially join forces with Fergal O'Brien to control the operational side of their merged training business. He is relishing the new role, even if the leaving party was somewhat spoiled.

McPherson said: "It was unlucky. I was thinking it was going to be a fairytale ending but there was a mistake at the second-last and Kielan [Woods] lost his irons. He did very, very well to sit in to be fair. He came back as strong as he could but the race was gone. There are no fairytales in racing.

"People keep asking me whether I'm sad about today, and a little bit I am, but the excitement overwhelms it. It's a massive new chapter."

While Eyeofthescorpion disappointed, Crystal Gazing and Nico de Boinville enjoyed a remarkable change of luck.

The horse had run out at the track last week forcing De Boinville to be stood down and subsequently miss a winning ride in the following race. Crystal Gazing was far more straightforward here and kept on to beat Breaking Waves by a length.

The jockey said: "As far I was concerned I was heading over the hurdle last week but she had other ideas. It was one of those freak things. Horses have their own minds and I don't think she quite fancied it. Thankfully, she's gone and won a nice prize here, which is fantastic."

Feature success

There was a thrilling conclusion to the 2m novice handicap chase with the battle-hardened Beyond The Clouds holding off smart prospect Any News and Friend Or Foe in a tight finish.

That was the first of two winners on the day for Charlie Longsdon, who also struck with smart prospect Lyrical Genius in the bumper.

"I've made no bones to the boys that I've always liked him," Longsdon said of the four-year-old. "He's not a bumper horse and we'll probably go hurdling now. He's got a lovely attitude and as he's only four we won't be rushing him."

Cheltenham trial

Martin Keighley gave an unusual pre-Cheltenham preparation to stable star Back On The Lash, with his regular work-rider Beth Whittle handed the chance to ride in the 1m5f charity race.

The seven-year-old, who has won three times over fences this season, held off Across The Line, ridden by Tiggy Vale-Titterton, at the finish and will be aimed at the 2m4f novice chase on October 22.

Keighley also struck with Found On in the 2m mares' handicap hurdle.

Jockey suspension

James Davies was given a nine-day ban for using his whip above the permitted level when winning on Fat Sam in the 2m4f handicap chase.

Results, replays and analysis

Read more

Adam Farragher remains on upward curve with victory on first ride at Catterick

Donald McCain keeps the prize-money at home as Fruit N Nut wins on hurdle debut

Follow your favourites with our amazing Horse Tracker feature. Add up to 1,000 horses to your stable, filter them and keep up to date with automatic email alerts. Join Members' Club Ultimate now and never miss a winner again!