Punters were amazed when a 150-1 underdog caused a major upset in a £1 million horse race on Wednesday, achieving one of the longest-priced victories in racing history.
The Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes, a prestigious mile race in Europe, typically features a showdown between the Classic generation and seasoned horses. This year’s event was anticipated to be a battle between Field Of Gold, the champion of the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes, and Rosallion, the previous year’s winner of the same races.
Juddmonte, the owners of Field Of Gold, included Qirat, trained by Ralph Beckett, in the lineup as a pace-setter. Despite being a 150-1 shot, Qirat’s odds were shorter than Serengeti, who was tasked with setting the pace for Aidan O’Brien’s top contender.
During the race, as Serengeti faded, Qirat surged to the front and maintained the lead, leading to a surprising win that delighted a Ladbrokes bettor who placed a £50 wager on the underdog.
Field Of Gold struggled to respond when urged to accelerate by jockey William Buick, with only Rosallion coming close to catching Qirat, falling short by a neck. Henri Matisse finished third, and the favorite, Field Of Gold, came in fourth, trailing by three and a quarter lengths.
Reflecting on the victory, jockey Richard Kingscote, celebrating his first Glorious Goodwood win in a decade, explained that Qirat’s success was partly due to setting a steady pace and the horse’s fondness for the track.
Trainer Ralph Beckett expressed satisfaction with Qirat’s performance, emphasizing the horse’s suitability for the Goodwood track and Kingscote’s expertise in guiding him effectively. Beckett acknowledged the disappointment for Field Of Gold but noted the unpredictable nature of horse racing.
Following Qirat’s unexpected success, the Goodwood stewards conducted an inquiry into the horse’s improved performance compared to its previous race at Royal Ascot, attributing the change to various factors, including equipment adjustments.
Field Of Gold’s trainer, John Gosden, mentioned that the undulating track might have affected the horse’s performance, emphasizing that Field Of Gold ran well but faced challenges on the unique course layout.
The surprising outcome resulted in a significant win for bookmakers, with a Ladbrokes customer from Didcot pocketing £7,550 after betting £50 on Qirat. Ladbrokes spokesperson Alex Apati highlighted the unexpected nature of the victory and the substantial payout it delivered to the fortunate punter.
Overall, the race delivered unexpected results and showcased the unpredictable nature of horse racing, leaving spectators and punters astonished by the underdog’s remarkable triumph.