Josh Moore: The last time I wore these colours they were cut off me

Sunday: Fontwell

What a difference four months makes. When Josh Moore last partnered Botox Has at Plumpton in October, he suffered a heavy fall and was knocked unconscious. He then had to wait eight days for spinal surgery as he became caught up in the Covid-19 crisis that engulfed British hospitals last autumn.

Had you told the jockey while he was lying on his back in hospital with a fractured vertebra and several broken ribs that not only would he be back in the saddle by February, but would upset the odds to win the National Spirit Hurdle, he would not have believed you.

Watch the replay of a thrilling National Spirit Hurdle

These things have a funny way of coming full circle and the moment was not lost on Moore, who was grinning from ear to ear as he was welcomed into the winner's enclosure by his father Gary, owners John and Yvonne Stone, and scores of well-wishers around the ring.

"The last time I wore these colours they were cut off me, so it's great to win with him again," said the jockey. "It means a lot. Four months ago I didn't think I'd be sitting on him again this season.

"I probably sounded like an idiot saying I thought he had a good chance while we were wrong at the weights. He was carrying a lot of weight in handicaps last year and it's hard on horses. It was nice to give him room in a small field."

It was a small field but a competitive one. Botox Has was sent off at 20-1 and had plenty of work to do against returning Grade 1 winner Monmiral and Brewin'upastorm, who was successful in the race last season for Olly Murphy.

It seemed he would have to settle for second after he fell behind at the second-last, but he rallied to win by a head. Moore was given a two-day suspension for using his whip above the permitted level.

Josh Moore pictured at his father's Cisswood Racing Stables in West SussexCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I'm more pleased for Josh than anything," said an emotional John Stone. "He came off our horse so to get back on him and win a big race like this, what more could you ask? This was unexpected but he's a lovely horse. He's been a bit disappointing but what a way for him to come through it."

This victory was the highlight of a memorable day for Gary Moore, who recorded a four-timer but even more importantly watched his son bounce back from his terrible injury to strike on a horse in whom he always had faith.

"He owed Josh that and it means a lot," said the trainer, who plans to send Botox Has novice chasing next season. "He's my son and, like Jamie, he's my right-hand man. What happened to him at Plumpton was horrible and I really wouldn't have been surprised if he'd decided to pack up.

"Botox Has is no mug. It wasn't that long ago he beat Allmankind over hurdles at Cheltenham. We stepped him up in trip and it was a big shout to drop back in distance today, but we knew he'd stay all day long and when the runner-up went on he showed the guts to come back and win."

Results, replays and analysis

Read this next:

'I wasn't getting any enjoyment' - owner moves to fourth trainer in under a year

The Cheltenham Ultimate Guide is everything the smart punter needs for the 2022 Cheltenham Festival. With big-race previews, tips, trends and much, much more, the Cheltenham Ultimate Guide has it all. Order now.