Blowers Wins at 300-1, Matching Longest Odds in British Racing History
Blowers, a 300-1 outsider, secured victory in the opening race at Exeter, equalling the record for the longest-priced winner in modern British horse racing history. The race took place amid challenging conditions with heavy rain threatening the meeting, prompting a morning inspection to ensure the event could proceed.
Jockey James Best, who rode Blowers as a late substitute due to original rider Ella Herbison being delayed by traffic, implemented a strategy of staying mid to outer positions rather than dropping to the back. This approach allowed Blowers to maintain a steady rhythm and ultimately beat the hot favourite On The Bayou.
Blowers had limited prior form, having tailed off in a point-to-point National Hunt Flat race and pulled up on his hurdling debut at Chepstow when starting at 200-1. The horse is named after the cricket commentator Henry Blofeld.
The previous longest odds winner in British racing was Equinoctial at 250-1 in 1990. More recently, He Knows No Fear won at 300-1 in Leopardstown in August 2020, setting a record for Britain and Ireland, which Blowers has now matched.
James Best expressed his gratitude towards Ella Herbison for her original ride and thanked Nigel and the owners for allowing him to participate.
