Trainer 'in shock' after 50-1 outsider hangs on for remarkable front-running win
Tuesday: Beverley
Trainer Sara Ender was left shocked after rank outsider Calculus remarkably gave her a first Flat winner when clinging on for a major surprise in the 1m4f handicap, having built up a huge advantage halfway through the race.
The five-year-old was initially settled at the rear of the field by apprentice jockey Kieran Schofield but raced keenly under the 5lb claimer, who eventually lost the battle and let his mount stride clear leaving the back straight.
Having built up an 18-length lead turning for home, Calculus was still in front by a wide margin two furlongs out before the petrol tank emptied.
However, he managed to hold off the late challenge of Termonator to win by three-quarters of a length at 50-1 to give Ender a landmark winner against the odds.
She said: "That was completely unexpected. He's always been the same at home, he's lazy, never works very well and the run was going to be his last run before retirement – it won't be now!
"We had ran out of ideas with him and this was the last chance for him, but it's obviously worked! I was thinking 'he's bound to stop in a minute' but he just kept on going. I'm in shock."
How it happened
The Malton-based trainer admitted Calculus is one of the more mischievous horses at her yard, which left her even more surprised that he was able to win.
"I just can't believe it, especially with him as well," she added. "At home he's the naughty one that nobody really wants to ride.
"To win with a bit of a monkey makes it unbelievable and there will be some celebrations tonight."
Schofield, who picked up a two-day ban for overuse of the whip, told Racing TV: "The plan was to sit mid-division and get a bid of cover, but clearly today he just wanted to go from the front. I just let him roll along after that – you'll use more energy if you're trying to pull and bring him back.
"When we got three furlongs out nothing was coming near me. It was very enjoyable and very tiring as well!"
The in-running comment
Raced freely, in rear, headway on outer after 3f, pulled way into lead under 8f out, went clear from over 6f out, 18 lengths ahead 4f out, ridden from over 2f out, kept on when much reduced lead inside final furlong
Watch the replay of Calculus' remarkable 50-1 triumph
Archi strikes again
The prolific Proud Archi enhanced his fine record at Beverley when he landed a fifth course-and-distance success in the 7½f handicap – a victory made even more special given the owners in the Eagle Racing syndicate hail from near the track.
Dods said: "They all live within 15 miles, which is why we tend to run there. He loves the track. He is doing marvellous things for an eight-year-old. There's no doubt he'll be back here."
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