When racing goes wrong…

A lot of work goes in to getting racehorses to the racetrack prepared and in fine fettle, however, no amount of training or excellent horsemanship can prevent these one off racing moments.

We’ve trawled through the archives to select some of the craziest and particularly unlucky horse racing moments over the course of the last few years. We have whittled it down to a top five, enjoy.

 

Purple Harry doesn’t fancy jumping

Just yesterday at Wetherby, Purple Harry made the decision that the opening fence of the three mile Handicap Chase simply wasn’t for him, making a sharp right turn and throwing Jockey Adam Nicol off in the process.

What made it more baffling was that the 10 year old completed the entire circuit riderless beating the winner Bassarabad to the post! Clearly keen to show that a jockey wasn’t necessary in winning this race.

 

Whats The Scoop decides to head home early

What’s The Scoop showing that even champion trainer Nicky Henderson doesn’t get his way all the time.

Cruising clear, on the bridle, you’d forgive jockey Barry Geraghty for losing his rag as he veers left to hand Starvin Marvin the run in victory.

 

Dale goes very wide around the first bend

Apprentice Brett Murray took the ride of Dale at Greymouth Races, New Zealand. However, not even he could not have foreseen what was coming.

Dale failed to take the first bend before throwing himself and jockey over the outside rail. Thankfully both jockey and horse were without injury although Dale was quickly retired from racing!

 

Baby Ticker unseats rider

A real sickener for the connections of Baby Ticker.

The 11/1 shot led by over six lengths striding clear of the field at Sedgefield before jinking right and unseating jockey Callum Whillians with the finishing post in sight!

 

Chaos in Japan

Three unseated riders in a jumps race would seem unusual, how about three in a flat race?!

Well that’s exactly what took place in Japan earlier this year in arguably the most frantic flat race you’ll ever see! Who would be a jockey hey?!

 

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