Clonmel chaos as 'equine musical chairs' leads to 930-1 result for punters

15 February 2024 , 22:21

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Clonmel chaos as 'equine musical chairs' leads to 930-1 result for punters

Punters were stunned by the rapidly changing picture of a horse race which led to a 930-1 finish.

Mick Charlie was a long way behind in Clonmel's straight, but ended up comfortably ahead. Dubbed 'equine musical chairs' by broadcaster Racing TV, the Grange Novice Handicap Chase was one racing fans will watch again and again.

Mount Frisco, the 11-4 favourite, was well clear with Itwasfate at the second last fence of its 2m½f journey. However the good gallop they went soon began to take its toll – and in-running third Dundaniel looked poised to pick up the pieces.

But as the last fence loomed up, the chaser declined Jack Kennedy's take-off request and his poor jump almost brought him to a standstill.

With the front pair a fading force, a host of pursuers were on the hunt for its €6,490 first prize on heavy ground. And in what proved to be an unusual call for commentator Jerry Hannon, three horses with jockeys wearing yellow went on by.

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Mick Charlie, almost out of the picture at the penultimate obstacle, finished strongest of all for Kevin Sexton from Dutch Schultz and Juno.

The Declan Queally-trained winner was a 10-1 chance before the race, but his in-running price rose to 930-1 as he was so far back.

The finishing picture changed dramatically when Mick Charlie (circled) caught the tiring leaders to win at Clonmel (Racing TV)

However he eventually scored with a bit in hand by two and a quarter lengths. "He tip-toed around, never panicked, came home well and you could see that the leaders were starting to walk coming to the last," his trainer told Irish Racing.

"I thought the two miles would be too sharp for him, but he is a great horse who has now won five races and retains his enthusiasm as a 12-year-old."

Racing TV presenter Angus McNae said Dundaniel "slowed to absolutely nothing", leaving Mick Charlie in a promising position.

The first three horses all had riders with yellow silks, as 10-1 shot Mick Charlie led them home (Racing TV)

"It was a bizarre contest as it looked like those behind the front two had no chance," he added. "There were some remarkable figures from the closing stages, with Dundaniel losing 14.95mph of speed after that mistake."

The result drew plenty of discussion from other seasoned racing professionals and part-time punters on social media.

"Mad stuff on heavy ground," one wrote on X, formerly Twitter. While another posted: "In-running carnage."

Melissa Jones