CHAOS engulfed this dramatic race as the first and second past the post were disqualified for running the wrong course.
That meant the horse who came third was actually named winner in astonishing scenes at Pau racecourse in France.
Elvis De Balme and Beryl Baie looked to have the race at their mercy in the 2m4f contest over fences as they surged miles ahead.
But a rail splitting the two caught the pair out after they ran on the outside of it approaching the post.
The other jockeys spotted the rail and charted a course on the inside – in other words the correct path.
Beryl Baie, a 16-1 shot, pulled well clear of nearest rival 9-2 second-favourite Elvis De Balme.
At the time it looked like Groom Boy had swept up minor honours for third – and the commentator calling the race live certainly had no idea about what happened.
But replays clearly showed the first two horses home running a different course to the other horses.
A stewards’ enquiry was opened and the only option was to disqualify Beryl Baie and Elvis De Balme.
In their place, Groom Boy was named winner, picking up £28,991 for connections in the process.
Describing what had gone on, a Sky Sports Racing host explained: “The stewards have had a look at Baryl Baie and ELvis De Balme and decided those two have taken the wrong course.
“Those up the inside who were led by the likes of Groom Boy, they went the right way.
“It means those two who went clear up the home straight have been disqualified and the prize goes to Groom Boy, who finished third.
“What drama at Pau.”
In Extenso came second at 18-1 while 16-1 Follow Me Soldier came second and third respectively under the revised placings.
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