Jockey Jim Byrne was stunned when the judge declared his mount Rock O’Reilly had figured in a dead-heat with Pinch River in the Watpac Speciality Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
To make matters worse for Byrne his rival Ryan Wiggins, on Pinch River, thought had been beaten.
“I was sure I had won by a head. I can’t believe it,” Byrne said.
But when stewards and connections checked the photo-finish print there was no doubt Rock O’Reilly ($6) had shared the result with Pinch River ($2.20).
“There you go. I thought I was beaten, so half a win is better than none,” Wiggins said.
Rock O’Reilly, an $18,000 buy, and Pinch River, who cost $85,000, are both eligible for the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 11.
However, Byrne feels Rock O’Reilly would not be suited by the Millions.
“He is about eight months away from being a real racehorse,” Byrne said.
