Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- irishracing.com
- Cheltenham
- News
- A Festive Day for 50/1 backers!
Michael Graham
A Festive Day for 50/1 backers!
Festive Day serves up a 50/1 surprise in Fairyhouse
© Photo Healy Racing
Festive Day led home a pair of 50/1 shots in the six runner beginners' chase at Fairyhouse as the formbook was turned upside down. Fine Article the even-money-favourite, unseated Robbie Power at the second fence after making a mistake and being bumped upon landing.
Gigginstown's Dallas Cowboy the second favourite at 11/8, took them along but was tracked throughout by Festive Day.
The latter moved closer at the fourth last and, once shaken up after the second last, sccoted away from Dallas Cowboy who was ridden and weakened quickly.
Festive Day was well clear jumping the last and sauntered home by 31 lengths. Fellow 50/1 shot Boite A Musique moved past a tired Dallas Cowboy on the run-in to take second.
Andrew Lynch said: "With the favourite falling it fell apart a bit as the Gigginstown horse stopped and there wasn't much else in the race.
“When he made a mistake four out I knew I was close enough. He won three point-to-points so he's not a bad horse.”
Trainer Norman Lee added: "That wasn't expected but it was great that it happened.
“It turned into a bit of a farce of a race when the favourite went out but he did it very well.
“I thought the holding ground wouldn't be in his favour but he jumped great for Andrew.
“I don't think the handicapper will be too hard on him for that.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson