- Two-year-old Green Triangle was heavily backed and set off as favourite at 11/10
- Punters looked to be in the money as he dashed to lead the pack by four lengths
- Hope vanished when one final whip caused the colt to run through the fence
There were dramatic scenes in the second race at Killarney on Wednesday when heavy favourite Green Triangle crashed through the fence.
The two-year-old was galloping to victory in the 17.20, way out in front of the pack when it ran inside the fence, blowing victory right at the end of the race.
Trained by Joseph O’Brien, the colt was sent off at 11/10, hitting 1.01 on the Betfair Exchange, and punters looked to be in the money as the final 50 yards of the race approached.
He had kept pace with the rest of the pack early on in the race, and ran clear at the two-furlong marker and was on his way to victory until the incident yards from the line.
It is understood that both the horse and the rider – Wayne Hassett – came out of the situation unharmed.
There was chaos at Killarney on Wednesday when heavy favourite Green Triangle ran through the fence yards from victory
Setting off at 11-10, the two-year-old was four lengths clear when things went horribly wrong
It is believed that jocket Wayne Hamsett used his whip one final time, causing the horse to jolt
It was the fourth start for Green Triangle, who waltzed to a Roscommon maiden a little over a week ago, and he was four lengths clear at the time of the incident.
As Hassett went for his whip one final time, the horse moved to the left and crashed through the rail, having done the same movement earlier on in the race, with Hassett having to straighten up.
As a result, 6/1 Lambourn raced past to take victory, with 100/30 J’Adore Chris coming second and 10/1 Cap Saint Martin third.
Bookmakers Paddy Power and Betfair refunded all single bets on the horse as a free bet.
Iconic Racing TV commentator Jerry Hannon was barely able to believe his eyes on commentary, declaring: ‘What drama. Lambourn has been presented it on a plate. An astonishing finish.’
Footage on the channel showed the white dence destroyed on the back of the events.
The horse had been dashing to victory, with Racing TV commentator Jerry Hannon left in disbelief
Paddy Power and Betfair handed out refunds as punters were left shocked at what unfolded
Paddy Power posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the events: ‘We have refunded (as a free bet) all singles on Green Triangle in the 5.20pm Killarney after he ran out in the home stretch. Singles only. Refunded as free bets. No max stake.’
Some fans, however, expressed their frustration on the platform, with one writing: ‘Why’s he using the whip, when he’s 6 lengths clear,’ accompanied by a face palm emoji.
Another added: ‘Pathetic course dodgy as can be.’
Other fans have called for other bookmakers to follow Paddy Power and Betfair in paying out refunds.
