In a remarkable upset at Exeter Racecourse, Blowers became the longest-priced winner in UK racing history, storming to victory at odds of 300-1 in Thursday’s opening race. This record-breaking triumph surpasses the previous long-shot winner, Equinoctial, who won at Kelso in November 1990 at 250-1.

Historic Long-Shot Victory

Blowers’ astonishing win is a rare feat, with only a handful of horses achieving similar odds in modern racing. In Ireland, the record has been equaled twice, most recently by Sawbuck at Punchestown in April 2022 and He Knows No Fear at Leopardstown in 2020.

Trained by Nigel Hawke and ridden by James Best, the five-year-old horse was virtually unknown, having raced only twice previously. His unexpected win captivated fans and bookmakers alike, cementing his place in racing history.

Blowers’ Early Career and Performance

Blowers had shown little promise in his prior races. He was well held in a Larkhill point-to-point race and was pulled up at odds of 200-1 on his rules debut at Chepstow. Despite his unremarkable beginnings, Hawke recognized the horse’s potential:

“We knew we had a horse with some ability… He had done nothing wrong at home and just had to learn to race. He will have learned a lot today and he can’t do any more than win – and that’s what he’s done now.”

Named after the retired cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, Blowers is a homebred horse owned by Mr and Mrs Pudd, local West Country residents, adding a charming story to this extraordinary victory.

Race Day Conditions and Strategy

Exeter’s track conditions were challenging, with over 50mm of rain since Monday leaving the course heavy. Despite this, Blowers overcame the testing ground, finishing three-quarters of a length ahead of the 5-4 favourite, On The Bayou.

James Best, who had only picked up the ride on the morning of the race after amateur jockey Ella Herbison missed her flight, described the chaotic start:

“Plan A was to drop in last, but then we thought he might relax better in front. He handled the ground, got in a nice rhythm, and just kept galloping.”

Best’s opportunistic ride turned into a historic moment for both jockey and horse, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing.

Reaction from Connections

Trainer Nigel Hawke expressed surprise at the massive 300-1 odds:

“I was a little surprised at his price… 300-1 was a bit ridiculous to be fair. He definitely won’t be 300-1 next time.”

The win is not only a personal triumph for the connections but also an inspiring story for racing enthusiasts, proving that even underdogs can make history.