Drama in Triumph Hurdle as Goshen unseats Jamie Moore with the race at his mercy leaving door open for Burning Victory
THE 2020 Triumph Hurdle will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Goshen was in the process of producing one of the most breathtaking performances of the Festival - only to unseat Jamie Moore at the last and leave the door open for Burning Victory to pick up the pieces.
Gary Moore's stable star came into the the race as the hot 11-4 favourite following an unbeaten campaign.
And he tanked through the Gold Cup day opener, jumping slickly and putting it up to the front-running Allmankind on the run for home.
His rider gave him an inch of rein at the bottom of the straight and he immediately quickened clear, holding a commanding 12 length lead at the final hurdle.
But he clipped the top bar and propelled Moore out the side door and crashing to the turf, drawing huge groans from the crowd.
Willie Mullins' 12-1 shot Burning Victory took advantage, swooping through late to land the spoils ahead of Aspire Tower and Allmankind.
It was a sickening outcome for Goshen's backers - but considerably worse for his connections and jockey.
Mullins expressed his sympathy: "I just feel very sorry for Gary and Jamie. Jamie did everything right and rode the perfect race.
"He had the race in the bag and asked the horse all the right questions at the last, but the horse didn't answer and he just got unbalanced."I'm delighted we've won for our owner, but I feel hugely for Gary and Jamie - a father and son team. I know them fairly well, this was their one shot at a winner at the Festival and the work was done.
"I was just thinking of myself and Patrick and we've been there with Ruby (Walsh) as well. I know what it feels like.
"It's not a victory I'm going to celebrate hugely - we got the rub of the green."
Of Burning Victory, he added: "She's not the best jumper in the world. She jumped the first two great, but missed the two down the back and Paul knew the race was over. He was riding to maybe get into the money if he could.
"She has a huge engine and hopefully she can brush her jumping. She'll probably go back to Fairyhouse now."
A visibly gutted Gary Moore confirmed Goshen was none the worse after the race.
Moore said: "That's racing I'm afraid. At the moment if I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck.
"I was thinking steady, steady, steady and the worst happened. He's absolutely fine and we know he is a proper racehorse.
"Jamie took it badly and he took a fair kicking. But he will get over it and tomorrow is another day."
