'Fear kept me on' - Wexford winner survives late drama

There was a dramatic conclusion to Wexford's Discover Wexford Handicap Chase today as jockey Donagh Meyler completed the course effectively riding side-saddle, on his winner Falcon Park (5/1).

Falcon Park was clear of 11 rivals when 'ballooning' the final fence - which sent Meyler skyward and, on landing, his saddle slipped sideways. On the run-in and with his left shin precariously balanced on the horse's wither and his right leg flailing, Meyler maintained composure, riding side-saddle and nudging-out Falcon Park to 'cosily' beat Farrokh .

Meyler's biggest win was gained in a Punchestown Grade 1 for Falcon Park's trainer Emmet Mullins and quipped “fear kept me on - I wouldn't have liked a telling-off from the boss with Galway ahead next week, so it was best to stay on! He was an honest horse who stayed going though.”

He added “he travelled very well through the race, missed a few but is growing in confidence the whole time. He was a different horse completely to Sligo the last day so it is great to see him finish out his race today — even with me hanging off him.”

Trainer Mullins added “Falcon Park has had plenty of attempts at this stage and it was an unorthodox way of getting across the line, but we will take it.

"I changed everything I could from his first run with me, to his second, but what made the difference, it is hard to tell. He was just a different horse today and Donagh said he was much happier. He didn't jump as well as the last day but he said he was still there and was always travelling for him.

"It's great for Paul and his wife Susan (Hennessy, owners) that he has got his head in front. Today was the plan and we weren't going to have too many more days if it didn't happen today. Hopefully this will give him a new lease of life."

Quotes from Donal Murphy