He Knows No Fear creates 300/1 history at Leopardstown as biggest-priced in UK & Ireland

Luke Comer created history at Leopardstown on Thursday, as his horse He Knows No Fear became the biggest-priced winner in UK and Irish racing history.

History Made

The record had stood since the 21st November 1990, when Equinoctial scored at Kelso. He returned as a 250/1 shot, with the Irish record standing with Killahara Castle. He was a 200/1 winner at Thurles in December 2017 for John Burke.

Winners at triple-figure odds are extremely rare, with winners at 125/1 and bigger numbering at just thirteen in Britain alone. Nando Parrado caused the biggest recent shock, where he created Royal Ascot history as the longest-priced winner ever recorded.

He Knows No Fear was sent off 250/1 for his debut just under a month ago, where he was slowly away and never made an impact. He clearly knew far more today, as despite running green, he made rapid headway down the outer with a furlong to run. Baring down on the winner, he stormed alongside in the dying strides and forced his head in front on the line.

Should we be surprised?

A 300/1 winner is an occurrence we likely won’t see ever again, but we shouldn’t necessarily be shocked that He Knows No Fear out-ran his odds. A son of Mourayan, he’s a half-brother to Thecornishbarron and six-furlong two-year-old winner Pankracy. Granted, his debut wasn’t awe inspiring, but he was found a weaker contest by Luke Comer.

The market was saturated thanks to short-price favourite Agitare, who had been running at much higher levels than this. He was a beaten favourite on his most recent start, however, and winning is a problem for Jim Bolger’s charge.

In weaker maidens, where horses can take huge steps forward at any time, should a horse ever really be 300/1? The bookies will likely be asking themselves the same question tonight!