Christmas Miracle as Inspiratrice Defies 200/1 Odds at Taunton

A huge shock occurred at Taunton on 30th December 2022, when a 200/1 no hoper called Inspiratrice – meaning ‘inspirational’ in English – stormed home in the Alne Park Stud Juvenile Hurdle.

He certainly lived up to his name that day, creating a Christmas miracle for all who watched.

The Nicky Martin trained horse had shown no sign of contending, even after the race had begun. Then, from 3 out, had a complete change in mood and pushed on having spent most of the race towards the back.

In the end, he won by a commanding four and a half lengths, looking more like a favourite than a 200/1 outsider.

The horse’s first four career runs had been less than inspiring, so you can understand the long odds:

  • 11th of 11
  • 11th of 12
  • 6th of 7
  • 10th of 17

Even the jockey on the day didn’t think they stood a chance.

When asked if he thought they could win it, Sean Bowen said:

“No, not at all. Nicky always liked her and said she had plenty of ability but she was still in her Flat mode on her first couple of runs over hurdles.

“She was keen and wasn’t switching off properly, whereas here they went quick and she did.

“She crept into it nicely, goes on soft ground well and she’s a good jumper.

“She enjoyed being ridden like that [forward] but I wasn’t thinking we’d win doing it.”

Despite apparently having zero chance of winning, a handful of punters chanced their arm.

Oddschecker reported one punter betting on Inspiratrice through their site, and another shatred evidence of their winning betslip online, having turned a 50p each way into £150 (they got in when the horse was priced at 250/1).

Another punter took shorter odds at 140/1, winning £140 from a £2.50 each way.

For Nicky Martin it capped off a very nice week, having won the Welsh Grand National a few days earlier with another horse that was unfancied.