27-runner Cambridgeshire field decided by a short-head at Newmarket

The 4/1 favourite Gavriel was first home on the stands’ side but finished fourth overall.

18+. Betting involves risk. Help is available.

The hit

Pierre Royal, the sole Irish challenger, won the bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket at 33/1, having been available at twice those odds earlier that morning. The four-year-old beat Crest Of Fire by a short-head after a photo finish, with 100/1 shot Altareq a head away in third.

Why it matters

The result shows how wide-open big-field handicaps can split favourites from long-priced outsiders. The 4/1 favourite Gavriel enjoyed a clear run up the stands’ rail but still finished fourth, a neck behind the front three, underlining how tight the finish was across the Rowley Mile’s 27-runner field.

The record

Winner	Pierre Royal, 33/1, trained by Ado McGuinness
Margin	Short-head over Crest Of Fire (Tom Marquand)
Third	Altareq, 100/1, a head back (Jim Goldie, Lauren Young)
Fourth	Gavriel, 4/1 favourite, a neck back
Field size	27 runners at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile
Purchase price	48,000 guineas, bought last year at Newmarket, per McGuinness

What happens next

McGuinness says the horse has ‘paid his way plenty’ this season.

Sources: Pierre Royal won the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket – report, reaction and replay · Pierre Royal produces huge shock to win Bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap after late call

18+. Betting involves risk. If gambling is a problem for you or someone close to you, help is available.