Loose horses cause traffic jam in 'one of the craziest finishes ever' at Cheltenham

Publish date: 2024-09-11

A traffic jam of loose horses led to a manic finish at the Cheltenham Festival in the Hunters' Chase.

Two horses who had unseated their riders in the fifth race of the day with Secret Investor, who'd parted ways with Natalie Parker, causing particular havoc at the front of the pack, while an Izzie Marshall-less I K Brunel was also making it tricky for those still in contention.

Premier Magic, who'd gone off as a 66/1 long shot, was able to capitalise on the stunning scenes to claim a shock victory. Its On The Line (28/1) followed in second and another big odds horse in Shantou Flyer (50/1) finished third ahead of Rocky's Howya (11/1).

READ MORE: Horse crashes through barrier at Cheltenham in scenes fans have 'never seen'

ITV racing commentator Robert Hogarth labelled the climax as "one of the most bizarre finishes I think I've ever seen" as he tried to process what had unfolded.

He continued: "You watch the head on, all the loose horses got in the way of all the horses up the rails.

"Premier Magic was walking home but has done enough to win, held on from Its On The Line who is in second place.

What's the craziest thing you've seen at the races? Let us know in the comments section.

"But you do wonder what would've happened to a few of those had the loose horses not impeded them."

There must've been something in the air at Cheltenham on Friday (March 17) as there'd been another odd incident earlier in the day towards the end of the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.

Favourite Corbetts Cross smashed into a barrier at the final hurdle rather than jumping over it. Fortunately both horse and jockey escaped without injury, but Mark Walsh was unable to ride Minella Indo in the Gold Cup as a result.

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