PUNTERS were fuming after a winning racehorse was controversially demoted to second following a ‘bonkers’ investigation.
And even the fortunate trainer of the horse who was gifted victory said he had no idea how it had happened.
The head-scratching decision came after a 2m3½f maiden hurdle race at Kilbeggan racecourse in Ireland on Thursday.
Denise Foster’s short-priced favourite Mylestown Upper, ridden by Jamie Codd, just held onto scrape ‘victory’ after a thrilling finish.
But the result was soon in doubt when stewards said they were launching an investgation into the run-in after the final jump.
The probe concerned Mylestown Upper and Sean Flanagan’s 22-1 outsider Hymie Weiss, who was pipped into second on the line.
Stewards were looking into whether Codd’s horse interfered with the Noel Meade-trained runner up.
However, they appeared to have spotted something seemingly no one else had seen.
Punters were raging as the probe was carried out – with the placings eventually being reversed.
The Racing Post analysis of the race read: “The placings were reversed but it’s hard to see why.
“Connections of Mylestown Upper can count themselves unfortunate.”
Those watching the action were a bit less diplomatic.
One said: “Well that is a bonkers decision by the Kilbeggan stewards.”
Another raged: “I’d be absolutely fuming if any way connected to Mylestown Upper.”
A fellow user commented: “Outrageous decision.”
While one punter fumed: “Shocking stewards must have been watching a different race.”
Fortunate trainer Meade said: “A horse of mine nearly got knocked over in a beginners’ chase here last summer and we still didn’t get the race but this time I didn’t think much happened but we got it. Swings and roundabouts I suppose.”
Asked when the interference occurred, Meade said: “Sean [Flanagan, who rode Hymie Weiss] said it happened after the last. The winner came over across him.”
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https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/rachael-blackmore-rides-three-hot-favourites-today-at-6-1-odds-as-she-closes-in-on-historic-champion-jockey-title
