Sunday 9 June 2019 16:41, UK
Nico de Boinville advertised all his skill as he performed heroics in the saddle to get Diablo De Rouhet to win at Perth.
Making his debut for Nicky Henderson in the Heineken UK Handicap Chase, Diablo De Rouhet had been well beaten in a point-to-point last time out.
Nevertheless he was still sent off the 2-1 favourite in a field of six and his supporters had De Boinville to thank for the pay out.
At the third fence Diablo De Rouhet jumped awkwardly, with De Boinville briefly in mid-air - but crucially he never let go of the reins.
He was able to regain his equilibrium and while he was understandably relegated several places, the fact the early pace was slow meant he did not lose too much ground.
Having crept back into contention in the final mile, Diablo De Rouhet had just gained the upper hand from Sunsetstorise when that rival unfortunately broke down, leaving De Boinville clear.
Sadly Sunsetstorise could not be saved.
De Boinville told Racing TV: "I thought I was coming off. Going into it he just ducked out to his right and I just carried on going.
"It's a tight track round here, but thankfully I got myself back in and then I had to think about all the other plans while letting him relax and fill himself up.
"I've been in situations like that a few times. Sometimes I think if you are in that situation it's your own fault.
"We haven't had him long, we've done some schooling, but the guv'nor was really confident - I wasn't so sure looking at his form, but I guess that is what the jockey needs."
