Punters lose minds over ‘absolutely pathetic’ decision to ban winning jockey and reverse placings in Kempton race

LIVID punters have hit out over the ‘absolutely pathetic’ decision to reverse placings and ban the winning jockey in a controversial Kempton race.

Intergalacticat was first past the post in a 1m3f Class 5 handicap under jockey Daniel Muscutt.

The win looked cut and dry for the 7-2 favourite and Hugh Taylor, the popular At The Races tipster, said he switched off his TV after the race expecting a payout.

But stewards had other ideas and reviewed the footage for apparent interference inside the final furlong.

They determined Open Champion, an 11-1 shot who was beaten three-quarters of a length, had lost momentum as a result of Muscutt’s action.

Ultimately, stewards decided Open Champion, who stayed on strongly and lost by a diminishing margin, would have won were it not for the interference.

The decision sparked social media outcry with punters either unaware any argy bargy had occurred – or unconvinced Open Champion would have got the better of Intergalacticat.

The stewards’ report read: “An enquiry was held to consider the placings in this race after interference inside the final furlong when the winner, Intergalacticat, ridden by Daniel Muscutt interfered with Open Champion, placed second, ridden by Liam Keniry.

“The stewards considered that the interference had improved Intergalacticat’s placing as Open Champion was improving up the inside of Intergalacticat when Muscutt’s mount continued to drift right-handed, resulting in Keniry’s mount to lose momentum, be taken off its intended line and switched to continue its run.

“Having been switched to continue its run, Open Champion stayed on strongly to be beaten a diminishing ¾’s of a length and revised the placings as follows: First – Open Champion, Second – Intergalacticat, Third – Richard P Smith and Fourth – Sea Me Dance.

“Muscutt was suspended for two days for careless riding as he failed to take sufficient steps to prevent his mount from continuing to drift right-handed, causing Keniry to be taken off his intended line for several strides.”

Taylor said in 15 years of tipping on At The Races that was the first time a pick had won or lost via stewards’ decision.

He added: “Think it would have happened dozens of times if that had been the interpretation of the rules throughout those 15 years.”

Some punters were a bit less diplomatic in their choice of words.

One called the result of the enquiry ‘an absolutely disgraceful decision’ while another said: “Absolutely pathetic.”

Another comment read: “By this point its pretty clear the BHA are only here to troll the public, fantastic job.”

While one irate punter posted: “These decisions are making horse racing a joke.”

The decision to reverse placings also had a significant impact on the share of prize money.

Intergalacticat’s owners saw their £4,187 first-place prize slashed to £1,964.

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