https://www.racingpost.com/news/news/johnston-runner-one-of-most-expensive-losers-in-betfair-history/286562


Johnston runner one of most expensive losers in Betfair history

The three-way photo finish at Carlisle

2:43PM, MAY 22 2017

Seyaady became one of the most expensive 1.01 losers in Betfair history when touched off in the opening race at Carlisle on Monday.

Hamdan Al Maktoum's debutant was sent off at 10-1 and looked to have won a three-way battle with Ventura Dragon and Magic Mark as he crossed the line.

However, to the disbelief of many punters, the photo-finish revealed that Ventura Dragon had stayed on strongly to win by the shortest of margins.

How TV viewers saw finish of race

A sum of £73,998 was traded on the Mark Johnston-trained runner at the minimum price on Betfair. The winner was matched at a high of 390.

Charlie Johnston, son of trainer Mark, said: "I can't believe it but it's clear on the photo. Dad was driving down from Glasgow and stopped at a bookies to watch the race and left thinking we'd won as they called ours the winner in the shop."

Tony Hamilton, rider of the eventual winner Ventura Dragon, said: "I wasn't 100 per cent but I thought we'd just got there. He never really travelled on the bridle and probably wants six or seven furlongs as that appeared sharp enough for him."

Costly failures – other expensive 1.01 losers

Kay Gee Be

Date: October 26, 2011
Distance/race: 1m½f handicap

Amount matched: £404,647

Nottingham's tricky camera angle has a habit of catching out punters and it did so in spectacular fashion when Kay Gee Be, who had seemingly won comfortably, had actually been chinned on the line.

Alpine Breeze

November 11, 2012
2m5½f handicap chase

£157,012

It looked as if Alpine Breeze had dropped her head in front at Market Rasen when it mattered most. However, after a lengthy photo finish it was revealed she had done enough only to share the spoils.

Silverware

August 17, 2011
7f handicap

£117,480

It looked as if Silverware had won outright at Folkestone as they passed the post but a photo revealed he had been joined on the line by the well-timed lunge of a rival.

Duntle

September 8, 2012
1m Group 1

£116,750

Punters waded into Duntle on the exchange only to see her demoted from first spot in the Matron Stakes for causing interference.