Blowers‘ Stunning Upset at Exeter: A Racing Story of Prospect and Potential
A remarkable story unfolded at Exeter Racecourse recently,as a five-year-old gelding named Blowers secured a stunning victory,defying odds of 300-1.This win wasn’t just a surprise; it was a testament to astute training, a lucky ride change, and the inherent ability of a horse bred for success.
Blowers, named after the beloved retired cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, entered the race with a limited racing history. He had previously run in a point-to-point at Larkhill and experienced a challenging debut at Chepstow, being pulled up while a massive longshot. Though, those initial runs masked a potential that was beginning to emerge.
Overcoming Early Hurdles
Trainer Nigel Hawke acknowledged the initial challenges with the horse. He explained that Blowers had displayed breathing issues during his point-to-point run. Moreover, his first experience under rules at Chepstow was hampered by an inexperienced rider struggling to control him.
“I was a little surprised at his price, but markets can be unpredictable,” Hawke commented.”He’d only run twice, and while he showed ability, he needed to learn to race.”
The transformation was evident at Exeter, where Blowers displayed a newfound confidence and stamina. He finished three-quarters of a length ahead of the 5-4 favorite, On The Bayou, in heavy conditions following over 50mm of rain since Monday.
A Ride Earned Through Chance
The story takes an even more intriguing turn when considering how jockey James Best came to be in the saddle. He secured the ride only on the morning of the race due to a travel mishap for amateur jockey Ella Herbison, who missed her flight.
Best expressed his gratitude for the unexpected opportunity. “Ella Herbison was meant to ride him, but she got stuck in traffic and missed her flight,” he shared. “I’m thankful to Ella for thinking of me and to Nigel and the owners for allowing me to ride.”
Tactical Adjustments and a promising Future
Best adapted his strategy based on the testing ground and Blowers’ temperament. Initially planning to drop back in the field,they opted for a more forward position,recognizing the horse might relax better in front.
He noted that Blowers was inclined to jump to his left, so he steered him towards the middle and outer lanes down the backstretch. This adjustment allowed Blowers to find a agreeable rhythm and showcase his ability to handle the challenging conditions.
Hawke believes the victory is just the beginning for Blowers. “He definitely won’t be 300-1 next time,” he stated confidently. ”He’s a homebred for lovely owners, and he’s a horse with some ability.”
A Family Affair and a shining Outlook
The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Pudd, are West Country natives, adding a heartwarming local element to the story. Blowers being a homebred further enhances the narrative, representing a prosperous breeding program and a deep connection to the land.
This win at Exeter isn’t just a racing result; it’s a story of perseverance, opportunity, and the potential of a young horse. You can expect to see Blowers continue to develop and compete at a higher level, and racing fans will be watching with keen interest to see what he achieves next.
