'Farcical' horse race results in 12 of 14 jockeys suspended as footage stuns punters
Punters have blasted a farcical horse race which saw the winner canter home by 15 lengths and resulted in 12 jockeys being suspended.
An amateur handicap at Dundalk in Ireland was won unchallenged by Wrecking Ball Paul under Kevin Healy, who inexplicably was allowed to build a massive lead from the early stages of the two-mile race.
One horse, Khadaash, refused to leave the stalls and was therefore not included in the post-race enquiry into the bizarre scenes, which saw 12 horses trot around at pedestrian pace as Wrecking Ball Paul streaked clear. The dozen jockeys offered various excuses for their lame performances.
Some insisted they had been instructed to stay mid-pack, while others claimed their rides were going at full tilt. Another said they didn’t realise how far Wrecking Ball Paul was in front until the final bend, when it was too late to do anything about it.
However, the reasons didn’t washed with the stewards, who suspended all 12 for five racedays. They said: “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).”
The rule covers events "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 also hit out at the riders. One said: “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 said: “Other Jockeys must of fell asleep.” A third added: “What are they playing at in behind!” Another simply slammed: “Absolutely farcical.”
