
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.
Drama at the start of the 2.20 here at Wetherby as Purple Harry refuses to jump the first fence! Both horse and jockey were unscathed. pic.twitter.com/2kfKcSATr6
— Wetherby Racecourse (@WetherbyRaces) January 23, 2018
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.
WATCH: “Starvin Marvin has been handed the most unlikely and dramatic of victories.” https://t.co/v9o37txcYr
— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) March 11, 2016
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!
Meanwhile Flat racing is a dangerous game especially in New Zealand.
Horse & jockey were all fine after this incident.pic.twitter.com/v2oEJwdqRT
— racingpete (@Betracingnation) January 21, 2018
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?!
ICYMI, this Japanese flat race was absolutely mad! pic.twitter.com/MponnMUv1J
— OLBG Betting Tips (@OLBG) January 17, 2018