The result of the bumper race at Perth was dramatically overturned after the incorrect winner was initially declared following a photo-finish error.
The final race of the three-day festival, run at 5.35pm, saw stablemates Ksar D’Oudairies and Fiskardo, both trained by Mickey Bowen, fight out a tight finish.
After reviewing the photo, judge William Fraser Perratt initially awarded the race to Ksar D’Oudairies.
However, doubts quickly emerged, with observers suggesting Fiskardo had in fact reached the line first.
Following further review, and nearly an hour after the race had concluded, officials reversed the result, confirming Fiskardo as the winner by a nose. The Shane Fenelon-ridden runner had started at odds of 14-1.
The British Horseracing Authority stewards subsequently opened an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the error.
“An enquiry was held to establish the circumstances surrounding why the judge incorrectly announced Ksar D’Oudairies as the winner and Fiskardo as the second-placed horse, before subsequently re-announcing the correct result after the weighed-in signal was given.
“The judge, photo-finish operator, and the chief steward were interviewed. Having heard their evidence, a report was forwarded to the head office of the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration.”
While the amended result did not alter the winning trainer, it denied jockey James Bowen a potential fifth victory across the three-day meeting, as he had ridden Ksar D’Oudairies.
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