Fans have hailed Charlie Deutsch's "unbelievable" final win of his career best season.
The jockey appeared to have no chance on Burrows Park in a race at Chepstow on Friday. Trained by his boss Venetia Williams, the ten-year-old became detached in the early stages of the Braceys Handicap Hurdle.
A slow jump at the very first flight meant Deutsch was playing catch-up on the experienced handicapper. The rest of the seven runners were well bunched as Burrows Park continued – and he was even out of the wide camera shot as they approached the fourth flight. But from the unpromising position, Deutsch did not panic, gently nudging his mount along as they went out on the final circuit. Down the back straight the pair were still in last place.
To the commentator's surprise, Burrows Park started to pick some of his tiring rivals off on the home bend. With three hurdles to jump, the 25-1 shot was in fifth, as Deutsch bided his time.
The pair continued to close and on the long run between the second last and final flight, they continued their relentless progress into the runner-up spot. Then Burrows Park jumped out of Deutsch's hands at the last hurdle and stayed on dourly to get ahead of the 11-4 favourite Itacare by a length.
Punters praised Deutsch on social media for the impressive display on the outsider. One wrote: "Unbelievable Ride! Jockey never gave up, never stopped believing and totally respected the horse and gave encouragement."
Using some clapping emojis, another said: "He's been the standout jockey of the season for me. Been nothing but impressed by him. Top class!" And a third added: "Joy to watch."
The result delighted Williams, who watched the 2m7½f race develop with the horse's owners in a box at the Welsh track. "Burrows Park bowls them over (us included!) to conclude our season with a wonderful 60th win at Chepstow yesterday," she said on Instagram.
It has been a memorable campaign for Deutsch riding the stable's horses. In February, he celebrated his first Grade 1 win aboard L'Homme Presse in the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown.
Deutsch punched the air in delight when the exciting novice completed a five-timer at the Cheltenham Festival in March. He went on to finish fifth in the meeting's feature race, the Boodles Gold Cup, on Royale Pagaille.
Deutsch, not in action as the jumps season draws to a close at Sandown today, ended the campaign on 48 winners. The figure represents his best ever tally, as does the overall prize money of more than £1.3 million.
Deutsch tweeted on Friday evening: "A great way to end the season on Burrows , thanks for all the support. And good luck to everyone tomorrow! @LycettsInsure @VenetiaWRacing."
