By MIKE DILLON
Lance O'Sullivan says he's never had a saddle slip so dangerously forward as on raging favourite Diamond Cashel in Saturday's $130,000 1000 Guineas at Riccarton.
He was so sure he was going to crash on the filly he pulled her to the centre of the track so she would not tangle with the running rail when she fell.
Punters were shocked when Diamond Cashel was obviously in trouble, but their distress did not match O'Sullivan's.
"I have never seen a saddle slip so far forward. The pommel of the saddle was only 12 inches from her ears.
"Usually when a saddle slips the back end of the saddle comes up and hits you in the backside. My bum was on her back, completely behind even the towels under the saddle.
"I was riding bareback. When I finally managed to pull her up I was completly behind the saddle.
"We were lucky we didn't fall."
So were the punters who will embrace a third-time-lucky approach to recouping their money in Wednesday's 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.
Most are punch drunk after Diamond Cashel was labelled a certainty beaten when jammed into the running rail as she was about to lodge her claim at Te Rapa at her final lead-up to the 1000 Guineas.
Spring Rain's rider Vinny Colgan was suspended for four riding days for causing the interference 350m after the start on Saturday which resulted in the favourite's saddle slipping.
Colgan can resume riding after next Saturday, a penalty he is probably happy with given he was suspended for the same offence on Spring Rain when she won the Highview Stakes at Hastings.
Trainer Paul O'Sullivan said yesterday Diamond Cashel had come through the incident trouble free.
"She ate up well after the race and is 100 per cent today."
The 2000 Guineas field is no stronger than Saturday's line-up and you can make a case it is probably a bit easier.
Acceptances for the 2000 Guineas were taken before Saturday's race and Spring Rain, who was fourth, was included.
Racing: Guineas favourite pulled up after saddle slips far forward
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