Kyren Wilson banks £20k just days after World Snooker Championship ends | Other | Sport

Kyren Wilson secured £20,000 in prize money in an entirely different sport just days after the end of the World Snooker Championship. He only made it to the second round at the Crucible, where he was beaten by Mark Allen having triumphed over Stan Moody in his opening match. Wilson claimed snooker’s biggest prize for the first and only time in 2024.

After returning from Sheffield, the 34-year-old turned his attention to the horse racing at Chester. He is the owner of Donegal Rose, a two-year-old filly based at Manor House Stables, transformed from a cattle barn by football legend and stable owner Michael Owen in 2007.

Donegal Rose was the 9-4 favourite in the second race on Thursday and delivered on those odds to claim victory ahead of Caturra Lights.

The horse was initially held up towards the rear of the field before surging home in the final strides, with Caturra Lights fading away after forcing the pace early on.

Oisin Murphy rode the winner home to secure a one-two for trainer Hugo Palmer and give Wilson something to cheer about.

The result saw the snooker ace bank £20,000 and he was visibly delighted when speaking to ITV Racing in the immediate aftermath.

There was a lengthy delay while the stewards held an inspection and crunch talks over whether or not to postpone the day’s racing, with several jockeys complaining about the conditions of the track.

However, it eventually got back underway after being suspended for over an hour and a half.

Reacting to his horse’s victory, Wilson said: “Brilliant. Obviously with what was going on before built the tension up we were not sure if the race was going to go ahead. Amazing. Really really good experience.

“We were told she would have a really good chance today. It looked as if she might have left it a little bit late but what a performance by Oisin.

“Just come round the outside, really kicked on and just an amazing performance, we’re chuffed.”

Quizzed on whether he gets more nervous at the races or the snooker table, he replied: “Honestly, I think the horse. There’s nothing I can do about it. At least I have got control if the black goes in the pocket.”