Punters have blasted a farcical horse race which noticed the winner canter residence by 15 lengths and resulted in 12 jockeys being suspended.
An beginner handicap at Dundalk in Ireland was received unchallenged by Wrecking Ball Paul underneath Kevin Healy, who inexplicably was allowed to construct a large lead from the early levels of the two-mile race.
One horse, Khadaash, refused to depart the stalls and was due to this fact not included within the post-race enquiry into the weird scenes, which noticed 12 horses trot round at pedestrian tempo as Wrecking Ball Paul streaked clear. The dozen jockeys provided varied excuses for his or her lame performances.
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Some insisted that they had been instructed to remain mid-pack, whereas others claimed their rides have been going at full tilt. Another stated they didn’t realise how far Wrecking Ball Paul was in entrance till the ultimate bend, when it was too late to do something about it.
However, the explanations didn’t washed with the stewards, who suspended all 12 for 5 racedays. They stated: “Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that all the above named riders, were in breach of Rule 212.A.(ii).”
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(Image: Racing TV)
The rule covers occasions “where a rider or any other person involved causes, contributes to or permits the running and/or riding of a horse in a race in such a way that the horse cannot be seen to have been the subject of a genuine attempt to obtain from the horse timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place”.
Fans additionally hit out on the riders. One stated: “It was ridiculous. You’d think by the 6f/5f pole the jockeys in behind would start thinking ‘right, let’s get a bit closer’, but some of them still weren’t asking anything of their mounts coming around the home turn. The winner could’ve walked the final furlong.”
Another stated: “Other Jockeys must of fell asleep.” A 3rd added: “What are they playing at in behind!” Another merely slammed: “Absolutely farcical.”