OUTRAGE OVER PHOTO FIASCO
A PHOTO-FINISH farce at Sandown yesterday left punters, bookmakers and connections in total confusion when judge Felix Wheeler announced that Rio Ronaldo had won the first race, beating Vibrant Chords.
But several minutes later, Wheeler’s decision was reviewed by the stipendiary stewards on duty at the track and the result was changed.
It was then announced that 6-1 shot Vibrant Chords, ridden by Fran Berry, had won by a nose
– the minimum margin – from the Andrea Atzeni-partnered Rio Ronaldo, who was returned at 13-2.
The alteration came before the official weigh-in had been given but many punters had already been paid out on Rio Ronaldo both on- and off-course.
Gary Selby, representing a Tattersalls bookmaker, said: “I’ve just paid out £1,300 on Rio Ronaldo and now have to pay out again on the winner [Vibrant Chords].”
Bookmaker Sid Hooper said: “It’s comical and bookmakers need more protection.” Betfair, Betway, Betfred, SkyBet and Paddy Power were among bookies who paid out on both horses with the latter’s spokesman Paul Binfield saying: “We love giving punters a bit of value but a day after congratulating the BHA on their nonrunner policy it’s hard for us to digest yet another error by a judge which in the 21st century should not be occurring and costs us money every time.”
Wheeler was also at the centre of a photo-finish controversy at Kempton in March when another of his decisions was reversed and the result revised accordingly.