A 300-1 shot has equalled the record for the longest-priced winner in modern horse racing history after claiming a stunning triumph at Kelso.
Crokes Cross was competing in the two-mile novice hurdle and delivered a first victory since March 2025 for trainer Stuart Coltherd in the most spectacular fashion.
It was only in December when the Nigel Hawke-trained Blowers broke the previous record for the longest-priced winner, also coming home at 300-1 in a race at Exeter. Previously Equinoctial had that particular honour, having won at 250-1 in 1990 – also at Kelso.
Making her British debut in the two-mile novice hurdle after two bumper runs in Ireland, Crokes Cross stayed on strongly under Jamie Hamilton to beat better-fancied stablemate Changemyluck (5-2) by a length and a quarter.
“It’s been a frustrating season, but thanks to all the owners and staff, they have stood by me and hopefully we can keep getting our heads in front,” Coltherd told Racing TV.
“I never had a penny on, I wish I had! I knew they were both fit and I fancied them both to run well. I thought Changemyluck would be there or thereabouts, but Crokes Cross has done it well.
“I couldn’t say what has been going wrong, we just had horses maybe too high in the handicap. We had lots placed, they just weren’t getting their head in front.
“If I knew it was going to change today I might have had a couple of pounds on! It’s good for everybody to get another winner. When they were going down and I saw she was 300-1, I did think that was a huge price as she works well at home – it’s too late now.”
Coltherd may not have backed his charge but one lucky Ladbrokes punter did, winning £1,800 from a £5 each-way bet.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Just a handful of punters across the UK backed Crokes Cross at 300-1 this afternoon but this bet is by far the standout… £1.8k from a £5 each-way single will take some beating this weekend!”
