This is certainly one fit for WackyRaces.net. Earlier today at the 13:40 two year old race in Great Yarmouth, the Charlie McBride trained Mandarin Princess beat the 4-6 race favourite Fyre Cay to win at odds of 50-1. It was quite the performance, even McBride said he wasn’t expecting it. However, shortly after it was revealed – following a scan – that due to a mix up the wrong horse had been entered into the race. It wasn’t 2 year old Mandarin Princess that claimed first place, it was instead 3 year old stablemate Millie’s Kiss.
Funnily enough I was actually at the course at the time, and it made for a strange day as I don’t ever recall this kind of thing happening in the past. I feel bad for those who may have made slip ups that led to this, and for poor old Charlie McBride who seemed rather chuffed with the win at the time.
Most of all though, I’m gutted for those who had a bet on the favourite at the course. While some bookies are paying out on the favourite, for all intents and purposes the result still stands. Therefore those backing the odds on favourite on course (and probably those on betfair) effectively judged the race correctly and should’ve been counting their money but instead lose out due to this freak occurence.
Stewards have now referred the matter to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). What a day!