Lecky Watson produced an upset in the Browns Advisory, beating out the favourites, including a disappointing Ballyburn, to claim victory.
There was guaranteed to be an Irish winner with all seven runners being from across the pond, but not many would have expected this outcome.
Ballyburn was almost out of the race early on as Paul Townend came close to being unseated, and from that moment the favourite couldn’t get back into the contest.
Lecky Watson was the horse that capitalised on this, and just before the penultimate fence he soared to the front and never looked back under a brilliant ride from Sean O’Keeffe, winning by four lengths. It’s also a third winner for Willie Mullins on the week.
There was also a shock in second place, as Stellar Story pipped Better Days Ahead to the line by a head.
Results:
1st: Lecky Watson (IRE) (20/1)
2nd Stellar Story (IRE) (22/1)
Jockey Reaction – Sean O’Keeffe
“I’m over the moon, I can’t believe it. I was delighted when I got to ride on him, I thought he had a nice chance. “It’s amazing to be able to come over here and be able to pick up.
“You never know what can happen, and this proves it.”
Ownership Reaction – Slaneyville Syndicate
“This was not expected at all but we believed in him, and the dream has come true.”
"GO ON LECKY!" 🔊
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 12, 2025
So many great reactions in this video 😆#CheltenhamFestival | #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/yaH9GHvNfG
