Shock success for Snoopy at Haydock

There was a massive shock at Haydock as Snoopy Loopy took advantage of a last-fence exit by Kauto Star to land the Grade One Betfair Chase.

Kauto Star, hard-ridden at the time but possibly just getting on top of the front-running Tamarinbleu, made a hash of the final obstacle and unshipped Sam Thomas.

That looked to have presented the race to David Pipe’s Tamarinbleu but he began to tire and Seamus Durack galvanised 33-1 outsider Snoopy Loopy to win by half a length.

Thomas, who was substituting for the injured Ruby Walsh, got Kauto Star settled well in the early stages and he jumped superbly.

Tamarinbleu, last year’s Victor Chandler Chase winner over two miles, was allowed an easy lead out in front and quickened up the pace on the second circuit.

Thomas set out after him down the back straight, closely followed by Exotic Dancer and Tony McCoy.

However, as they turned for home, Thomas had to push Kauto Star along and a bad mistake early in the straight looked to have sealed his fate.

Kauto Star battled back gamely though, eventually drawing level with Tamarinbleu at the last before his horrendous error, leaving Thomas with no chance of maintaining the partnership.

Snoopy Loopy found a second wind and came from the clouds under Durack, cementing his place at the head of the Order Of Merit competition.

Exotic Dancer was a further two and a half lengths away in third.

Durack said: ``He's always been a battler and as long as you still have tabs on them, there is always the chance he will come back at them.

“It was a big improvement again today from the Charlie Hall. He ran a cracker in the Old Roan after a break and he probably ran a bit quick after that at Wetherby.

“We thought he would improve from that and he has, he keeps improving – its unbelievable.”