Bowen (L) loses his balance as Pritchard (R) rides to the rescue(Image: Racing TV)

Grand National jockey saves rival from dangerous fall with incredible sportsmanship

by · Wales Online

Callum Pritchard, a jockey at the Grand National festival, has been lauded for his quick thinking during a dramatic incident at Aintree on Friday. The event unfolded during the Topham Chase when Welsh rider James Bowen became unstable on Fantastic Lady after the mare made a mistake in the back straight of the race.

As they jumped the National fences, the horse carried her hind legs through the top of the obstacle, catapulting Bowen into the air. Bowen found himself clinging to Fantastic Lady's neck, with viewers anxiously watching as it appeared he was about to fall.

However, thanks to Pritchard's swift response, a disaster was avoided. Pritchard, who was riding Dreal Deal trained by John McConnell, extended his right hand in an extraordinary display of sportsmanship to help keep Bowen upright.

Eventually, Bowen managed to regain his balance. "I was nearly gone," Bowen admitted afterwards.

Callum Pritchard (R) reaches out for James Bowen (L) during the race(Image: Racing TV)

Continuing, he said: "Callum gave me a hand and I managed to drag myself back up. I don't think there were any words exchanged, no roaring and shouting anyway, but I was very grateful to him. I did appreciate it. For a split-second I thought I was gone."

Both horses completed the course, with the 66-1 outsider Dreal Deal finishing tenth, beaten by 20 lengths, and Fantastic Lady ending up in a distant 21st place.

Yet, it was Pritchard's intrepid act of aiding Bowen that has become the focal point post-race, reports the Express.

Fans took to social media to lavish praise on the jockey for his valour. "Different breed these jockeys, that is tremendous sportsmanship" one admirer said on X. Another chimed in: "Love this".

"The epitome of sportsmanship and lovely to see!" said a third supporter. A fourth said: "Callum Pritchard deserves an award above and beyond what a hero". And another simply stated: "That is brilliant".

Callum Pritchard was praised for his heroics on Friday(Image: Getty)

Attention now shifts to the apex of the racing calendar with the Grand National set to take place on Saturday afternoon. The event is set to generate millions in bets as the nation watches the 4m 2f challenge, often hailed as the world's most renowned horse race.

I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, is tipped as the favourite, aiming to follow in the footsteps of legendary horses Red Rum and Tiger Roll by winning the title for the second year running.

The Grand National boasts a prize fund of £1 million, with the victors taking home £500,000. The much-anticipated race is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday, April 5 at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.