Hot favourite "hampered by goose" as he suffers surprise defeat at Windsor

08 May 2023 , 17:58

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A goose tries to fly out of the way of runners at Windsor (Image: Sky Sports)

A hot favourite suffered a surprise defeat at Windsor races on Monday as a result of an unexpected bird strike.

Revenue started 11-10 favourite to win a four runner race for two-year-olds following a debut victory at Brighton last month.

But he trailed in third of four after the intervention of a goose who had landed in the middle of the track, which is adjacent to the River Thames.

There were audible cries from the Bank Holiday crowd as they watched the favourite appear to clip the hapless goose.

Approaching the halfway point of the 5f race Revenue was being steered towards the far side rail while the goose was trying to fly out of the way of the onrushing horses.

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Race commentator Richard Holies said: “Oh, we’ve collected a goose along the way there,”

Revenue, ridden by Charlie Bishop, finished nine and a quarter lengths behind the 10-1 winner Tears Of A Clown.

Bishop reported the incident to the stewards whose report read: “Following the race, Charles Bishop reported that Revenue (IRE), which started favourite and finished third, was hampered by a goose approximately 3 furlongs out.”

Reviewing the race on Sky Sports Racing, presenter Matt Chapman said: “The goose clearly played a part in Revenue’s performance.

“I think Revenue gave the goose a kicking. Quite how long that goose will be flying for, I’m not sure. Extraordinary stuff.”

He continued: “I don’t think Tears Of A Clown got any contact, just swerved away. But this has set the cat amongst the pigeons or the goose amongst the horses because you expect the horses to go far side, Tears Of A Clown comes standside and has simply scooted home.”

Jon Lees