Jockeys lose way in jackpot race

A BRITISH horse race which should have decided the winners of a rollover Tote jackpot of nearly GBP700,000 ended in farce when all 11 runners were disqualified.

The race for apprentice jockeys was due to complete the card at Fakenham on Friday and settle a Tote jackpot which had been carried forward after eluding backers at the big Cheltenham Festival meeting.

But 10 of the jockeys were automatically disqualified when they went right instead of left at a damaged hurdle, which had been omitted from the race.

The 11th runner, Jamorin Dancer, galloped through marker cones to jump the hurdle.

Jamorin Dancer's jockey, Russ Studholme, said he then realised his mistake and turned back to complete the course properly.

But by the time he eventually passed the post, the judge had left the official viewing box, thinking that the horse had pulled up, embarrassed officials admitted.