Punters joke this jockey’s ‘dastardly trick’ deserves an award after he accidentally sabotages rival’s ride

Richie McLernon smacks the whip out of the hand of Charlie Deutsch…

Goes on to win the race by a neck.

Fair or unfair?

pic.twitter.com/UFIgTUDyUw

— Betfair Racing (@BetfairRacing) April 23, 2023

The pair were neck-to-neck and side-by-side on their respective horses Ramo and Crossing The Bar, when the misfortune struck.

As the pair went for it at the Plumpton Races, Deutsch’s whip was struck by McLernon’s – knocking it out of his hand.

Without it, Deutsch was unable to inspire Ramo to victory – and had to look on as McLernon on Crossing The Bar crossed the finish line before him.

At The Races shared a clip of the moment on social media, which drew a reaction from fans.

Sharing a series of laughing emojis, one called it “a dastardly trick.”

Another posted: “That’s cheating.”

A third commented: “This is absolute genius from McLernon. Ride of the month.”

Of course, McLernon and Crossing The Bar could have taken a leaf out of American Rascal’s book.

His jockey Joel Rosario didn’t bother taking his whip out when Lady Aurelia’s first foal demolished its rivals at Keeneland Racing in the States.

Deutsch made news last year when paying tribute to a lifelong friend who died just hours before the jockey won two races in his honour.

Welling up, he told Sky Sports Racing: “I’d like to dedicate these two winners to a very good friend of mine, he passed away last night.

“He’s called Marcus Evans.

“He just loved his racing. And he’s been with me from when I was born to now.

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“It was a bit of a shock for all of us, the family and everything.

“I found out this morning… then I had to come racing today.

“He would have loved it. I wish I could bring him here.”