Astonishing 150-1 outsider Zoulu Chief pulls off ‘the shock of all shocks’ for opera-singing trainer
ZOULO CHIEF pulled off ‘the shock of all shocks’ when winning at an absolute canter at odds of 150-1 at Newbury.
Marco Ghiani, who has not long returned from a drugs ban, steered the Heather Main-trained horse to the most unlikely of victories.
Amazingly, this is not the first time opera singer Main has banged in a huge-priced winner.
She had 125-1 Island Bandit on the same track in August 2021 and 100-1 Cody Wyoming at Lingfield in 2011.
Incredidbly, Zoulu Chief is still half the price of the biggest odds winners in British and Irish racing history.
He Knows No Fear and Sawbuck have both won at odds of 300-1.
But neither triumphed with the command Zoulu Chief showed.
Racing TV host Anthony Dunkley described the dominant victory as ‘the shock of all shocks’.
Having finished seventh of eight beaten 17 lengths on debut at Salisbury just over two weeks ago, the bookies obviously thought the two-year-old colt didn’t stand a chance.
But he sprouted wings a furlong from home in the 6f contest to land the £6,480 winner’s prize in style.
Island Bandit won over 7f, so it was almost an exact repeat of that bonkers victory.
Trainers of top class thoroughbreds could be considered horse whisperers for their ability to get them ready for the track.
But Main employs a different method entirely… singing opera to them.
She claims the horses literally dance to the music – and it puts them in the mood to win when it matters.
She told the Oxford Mail: “First, I’d like to stress that I’m not barmy.
“When I start singing, the horses lean out of their boxes and join in. They prick their ears, look up, and whinny. Some even dance.
“Mozart is their favourite, so I sing his arias to them.
“It’s proving to be a great way to get them relaxed, and boost their well-being before a race.”
“I’m not a gambler – but I wish I was now!”
Congratulations to @RacingHeather and her remarkable 150/1 winner Zoulu Chief at @NewburyRacing @AJD1Racing pic.twitter.com/fqruwPJwAw
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 19, 2023
