'I don't get many chances in big races and the emotion takes over' - Ben Godfrey elated after Forward Plan claims Coral Trophy

Public displays of emotion in racing can sometimes be frowned upon, but surely even the coldest hearts may have warmed to the outpouring of elation from Ben Godfrey after the rider recorded the biggest success of his career in swashbuckling style on Forward Plan in the Coral Trophy.

This race used to be known as the Racing Post Chase and is worth a handsome £150,000, so perhaps it was surprising only 12 horses lined up in a contest that boasts a 20-runner safety limit.

Three of them belonged to Anthony Honeyball, who, along with the 15-2 winner, supplied the fifth in Sam Brown and also Blackjack Magic, the 4-1 joint-favourite, who fell at the last.

Based in Dorset, Honeyball has seen his profile rise in recent years, although the £85,425 first prize is the most lucrative pot he has trousered and the same applies to 3lb conditional Godfrey, who stormed home on Forward Plan.

It was a success that looked unlikely after the eight-year-old, who was in touch with the leaders initially, was not fluent at the 12th and 13th fences, leaving him with five long-looking lengths to make up before the second-last.

However, the turbo kicked in approaching the final fence and Godfrey's willing partner, who is owned by a bunch calling themselves The Steeple Chasers, ran on well to seal a memorable length-and-a-quarter victory from Al Dancer with Bowtogreatness third.

That allowed the rider to mimic the celebrations famously employed by Mickael Barzalona, when he won the 2011 Derby on Pour Moi.

His antics were the source of some consternation, especially as his mount had just a head to spare at Epsom's revered winning post, but it is unlikely Godfrey would have been among his critics.

"I knew I had a good chance today," he said. "When I was second on him in the Great Yorkshire Chase that was one of the biggest rides of my career. We were just beaten, so to come back and have a ride round like that, and know you're getting there and then have it wrapped up crossing the line, the emotion just takes over.

"I don't get many chances in good races like that, so to get the job done is thrilling."

The Steeple Chasers pose for photos in the winner's circle after the victory of Forward Plan Credit: Mark Cranham

From Somerset, the 23-year-old Godfrey has spent nearly five years with Honeyball and riding out his claim in the short term is in his sights.

"You can't be impatient and Anthony gives me plenty of chances," he added. "I've got a couple of nice horses to ride like him and you can only take opportunities when they come.

"When it all goes to plan and you cross the line in front in a race like that, it feels amazing – definitely as good as I thought it would feel. The only trouble is now I want more. 

"I haven't had many big-race rides or on ones with chances, so you just try to enjoy them and I was fairly relaxed this morning as I thought he had a chance."

Honeyball agreed with that assessment, although the rain this week that meant the ground was soft, heavy in places caused some apprehension.

He hailed his jockey, saying: "Ben has been with us since he claimed 7lb and he knows the horses, while he's learning how to be cool and calm in a race like this. He's getting some great experience and it's standing him in good stead.

"He's finding himself in the right spot in these races, which isn't an easy thing to do."

Come the finishing line, Godfrey was certainly in the right spot, and boy did he enjoy it.

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