A jockey escaped a costly embarrassment when appearing to celebrate too early in one of Brazil's most prestigious horse race. After powering into a comfortable lead on second-favourite Sinsel at the Grande Premio Brasil, which takes place in Rio De Janeiro, jockey Leandro Henrique stopped riding, stood up in his irons and started to celebrate towards the crowd.

Henrique felt he had the race wrapped up in the final 50 yards, but he did not see Valparaiso, who came powering up the inside rally and came agonisingly close to landing the spoils. Sinsel ultimately won the race by a nose, booking his spot at the Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar in November - which is worth £3.7million in prize money.

Henrique has now apologised for how costly his premature jubilation could have been. He told the Jockey Club Brasileiro: "I'm still at a loss for words, I'm in shock because of the finish.

"I didn't see the horse on the inside, I was just caught up in the moment and celebrating because I have dreamed about winning this race and also my daughter is arriving soon. I am very happy but I am very relieved. I want to apologise to Mr Esteves and to the owners, Stud Red Rafa. This will never happen again."

He went on to say: "Many people are judging me for not being cold, but only those who have ridden horses know what is really going on there when you are about to win the most important race in the country. It is indescribable.

"Thank God, I realised the threat in time and guaranteed victory. I have spoken with the trainer and the owners, everything is fine and we resolved it ourselves. In the end, racing is about one thing - crossing the finish line first. And I did it."