Fury as jockey’s ride is branded ‘pointless and risky’ by...

A JOCKEY'S amazing winning ride was branded 'pointless and risky' by a racing legend - after it almost came back to bite him. The Sam Thomas-trained C'Est Different had been hammered in his first four runs for owner Dai Walters, finishing nowhere near the winner. But he looked a totally different beast upped in trip for a 2m3½f handicap hurdle at Carlisle on Monday. The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).

Image Credit: The Sun [Horse race at Carlisle.]

Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get... Become a member today for just £1*. *For the first month then £3 per month thereafter. SIGN UP NOW. 18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. UK only. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk. Scooting clear under 3lb claimer Dylan Johnston, he was eight lengths ahead and going easily by the final flight.

Image Credit: The Sun [Two horses racing at Carlisle.]

It was then Johnson took his foot off the gas and allowed the horse to coast home - with almost disastrous consequences. C'Est Different was eased completely as the post approached - and 9-1 Wee Alki made rapid headway under Jack Power. For a second it looked like the unthinkable was going to happen. And Johnston himself was surely worried as he was forced to give the well-punted 5-2 fav one nudge near the line to win by a quickly-closing three-quarters of a length.

It could have been a very different story - and Johnston would have been hit with a huge ban for failing to ride out. As it was, the victory stood and it was Thomas who explained to stewards the 'gelding may have benefitted from the step up in trip from 2m to 2m4f in a weaker race.". Racing TV said the ride was 'ever so cheeky', but commentating legend Jim McGrath saw it differently. He posted under a clip of the ride: "Pointless and risky.".

Explaining the ride, Johnston said: "The horse has run off the first mark he's been given - and this race is a hell of a lot different than running against the likes of Diva Luna. "It worked today but he has to improve again. "We didn't know if stepping up in trip would work - we stepped him up because he wasn't running well enough over 2m!. "He had done his work and he's still a big baby and pulled up a bit quicker than I thought he would.".