DAY TWO of the Galway Festival will be remembered for the wrong reasons as a horse was mistakenly allowed to run in the incorrect race, before going on to win and later disqualified.
It was originally believed that Alzirane had won the 5.15, a maiden for two-year-old fillies.
However, the stewards soon realised that the horse was in fact Aurora’s Princess, a three-year-old also trained by Jessica Harrington.
It meant that ‘horse’ had to be disqualified and pre-race favourite Twinkle was moved up from second to first.
The huge error only became evident when stewards scanned the horse’s microchip after the race.
They then realised the extent of the cock-up and an enquiry was quickly called.
The stewards report read: “Following a Stewards Enquiry after Race 2 at Galway, Alizarine has been disqualified under Rule 262(iv)c as horse could not be positively identified post race.”
One punter joked: “That’s like playing an U10 in an U7 football match!”
Trainer Harrington told reporters on course that by the time she realised the error it was too late.
She said both horses look very similar and she added: “My assistant Bubba Amond had the saddle on by the time I saw her in the ring. It’s human error and I apologise to everyone.”
Aurora’s Princess was due to run in the 6.45 and has since been withdrawn from that race.
It’s not the first mix-up to have occurred. Last year two Aidan O’Brien-trained runners were confused in the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket and the error was again only discovered after the race.
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/glorious-goodwood-day-2-matt-chapman-with-his-best-bets-as-he-reckons-snow-lantern-can-do-the-business-in-sussex-stakes
