Harriet Tucker defies dislocated shoulder to guide Pacher Du Polder to back-to-back Foxhunters
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 21 Dec 2023
Harriet Tucker performed an amazing feat in the saddle at Cheltenham as she overcame a dislocated shoulder to guide Pacha Du Polder to a repeat success in the St James's Place Foxhunter Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase.
The 11-year-old, trained by Paul Nicholls, jumped into the lead at the final fence, but Tucker - who was having just her second ride under Rules - appeared in some trouble up the run-in and she confirmed on dismounting she had been forced to pop her shoulder back into place at the same time as striving for victory.
Long-time leader Top Wood rallied close home, but Pacha Du Polder would not be denied as he stuck on stoutly to score by a neck.
Barrel Of Laughs and Cousin Pete dead-heated for third place, three and a quarter lengths away.
Tucker said: "My shoulder half-dislocates sometimes when I reach it too high and coming up to the second-last, it half-dislocated and I couldn't push it back in, so I couldn't slap him down the shoulder to get him to go forward.
"I was pushing and praying that no one was going to beat me because I couldn't hit him any more with my right hand, so I just had to keep pushing and screaming at him and he just got there."
Nicholls said: "I'm really proud. Harriet was only having her second start under Rules.
"He's had a lot of problems this year, but this is just a fantastic moment.
"Andy (Stewart, owner) just leaves it to me (to pick a jockey). I said to Harriet at the start of the season, 'we will get you on Pacha and you will have a day you will never forget'."
Related posts
Joseph O'Brien Q and A: DRF runners, Cheltenham plans and more
Dublin Racing Festival tips: Alex Scott thinks this 12-1 chance is overpriced
DRF: will the hot favourites be bankers or blowouts?
Wednesday Wager tips: selections for our free-to-play game
Dave Nevison's Wednesday tips: best bets at Kempton
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with BetVictor
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get £50 in free bets when you bet £10 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £50 in Free Bets with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved