Punters were shocked as a 150-1 underdog caused a major upset in a £1 million horse race on Wednesday, delivering one of the biggest surprises in racing history.
The Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes, a prestigious mile race in Europe, saw Field Of Gold and Rosallion as the top contenders. Juddmonte, Field Of Gold’s owners, included Qirat as a pacemaker, priced at 150-1 in the betting market.
During the race, Qirat took the lead after Serengeti faltered, holding on to win, much to the delight of a Ladbrokes bettor who placed a £50 wager on the unexpected winner. Field Of Gold struggled to mount a challenge, finishing fourth behind Rosallion.
Winning jockey Richard Kingscote, celebrating his first Glorious Goodwood victory in a decade, mentioned that Qirat performed well due to the track’s suitability and his strategic race plan.
Trainer Ralph Beckett defended Qirat’s improved performance, attributing it to removing blinkers and a more suitable pace. Meanwhile, Field Of Gold’s trainer, John Gosden, suggested that the undulating track may have affected his horse’s performance.
Despite the surprising outcome, a Ladbrokes customer from Didcot won £7,550 after betting on Qirat, highlighting the unexpected success for both the punter and the bookmakers.
Overall, the race provided an exhilarating spectacle with an unexpected underdog emerging victorious, leaving the racing community in awe of the unpredictable nature of the sport.