Grand National jockey's dramatic act to help rival spotted mid-race – 'I thought I was gone'

Jockey Callum Pritchard has been hailed as a hero following his quick actions during a heart-stopping moment at the festival on Friday. Welsh rider James Bowen was in a precarious situation aboard Fantastic Lady in the , when the mare made a mistake on the back straight.

As they approached the , Bowen was launched into the air after Fantastic Lady dragged her hind legs across the top of a jump. Spectators were left gasping as Bowen clung to the mare’s neck, teetering on the brink of a fall.

But thanks to Pritchard's swift intervention, a potential disaster was miraculously avoided. Riding Dreal Deal, trained by John McConnell, Pritchard reached out with his right hand in an extraordinary display of sportsmanship, which allowed Bowen to regain his balance and continue.

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"I was nearly gone," Bowen said afterwards. "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, the 66-1 outsider Dreal Deal and Fantastic Lady, managed to complete the course, finishing tenth and a distant 21st respectively.

Yet, it's Pritchard's daring act of sportsmanship in aiding Bowen that has stolen the limelight since they crossed the finish line, reports .

Fans then flocked to social media to laud the jockey for his bravery. One viewer on X said: "Different breed these jockeys, that is tremendous sportsmanship". Another chimed in with a simple "Love this".

One stated: "The epitome of sportsmanship and lovely to see!" A fourth fan said: "Callum Pritchard deserves an award above and beyond what a hero". Another simply added: "That is brilliant".

All attention now turns to the highlight of the racing calendar, the Grand National, set to kick off on Saturday afternoon. The race is anticipated to generate millions in betting turnover as the nation tunes into the 4m 2f contest, often hailed as the world's most renowned horse race.

I Am Maximus, trained by , is the current favourite, aiming to follow in the hoofprints of legends like Red Rum and Tiger Roll by defending the title he clinched a year ago. With a prize pool reaching £1 million and the winning team pocketing £500,000, the stakes are high.

The race is set to start at 4pm on Saturday, April 5 at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool.

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