‘Completely clueless’ – Punter fury as former top jockey is blasted after ‘unbelievable’ Lingfield stewards’ decision

PUNTERS turned on a former top jockey as he was branded 'completely clueless' following this hugely controversial Lingfield stewards' decision.

Sun Racing's Matt Chapman grilled rider-turned-steward Fergus Sweeney after the 1.27pm all-weather race at the Surrey track on Tuesday.

2

2

The gambled-on Dubai Harbour was first past the post at 11-2 under jockey Paddy Bradley for trainer Pat Phelan.

THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE

The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure.

Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get...

• Four free racing tickets, four times a year - worth £300
• Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
• Exclusive access to Templegate's daily NAP
• Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
• Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
• VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
• New customer offer with Coral

Become a member today for just £1*

*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.

SIGN UP NOW

18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact [email protected]

But head-on footage showed the four-year-old gelding lugging right across the track in the closing stages of the 1m2f race, impeding the runs of second-placed Lost In Time and third finished Forge Valley Lad.

The interference appeared pretty substantial, with both Lost In Time and Forge Valley Lad, who was absolutely flying down the outside, being taken off their true lines.

And most punters watching the Flat action expected the result to be reversed, as did Chapman.

But after deliberating it was decided Dubai Harbour - to the shock of viewers - would keep the race and £3,000 first-place prize.

Summing up his case in an interview with Chapman, Sweeney, who won the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock on Twilight Son in 2015, said the neck margin of victory was not enough to make a difference in this case.

He explained: "We felt the issue was, the neck at the line wasn't closing, the second horse plateaued through the line."

To which Chapman responded: "Surely the reason he wasn't closing was because he was completely taken out and knocked off his stride?

Most read in Horse Racing

TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS

Fresh off an 89-1 four-fold, I reckon Thursday's NAP is a good thing

FIVER FLUTTER

Sam Twiston-Davies can run riot with this fancied Wincanton double

'I WAS WRONG'

Legendary jockey Davy Russell opens up on infamous horse punch incident

BON VOYAGE

Tingle Creek 11-1 outsider tipped to shock 'vulnerable' Jonbon amid rain warning

"I think most people think Forge Valley Lad would have won that race, he had the momemtum and was stopped from winning. I thought the winner would be placed third.

"Looking at that again, are you absolutely sure Lost In Time had a chance to run right to the line?

Sweeney replied: "These aren't easy decisions and they're subject to opinion.

"There's a panel of three of us, we deliberate, we take it very seriously and this is where we came to. We found the interference was accidental."

To which Chapman added: "I appreciate you coming out, even if I totally disagree with what you said."

It seems punters took Chapman's side in the argument.

One claimed the call was 'right up there with one of the worst decisions I have ever seen'.

They added: "Absolutely disgraceful from the stewards."

While another wrote: "What race is Fergus watching? Matt was spot on - Dubai demoted to third. Basically quickest easiest decision ever. Fergus is totally overcomplicating things.

"Twilight Zone stuff."

READ MORE SUN STORIES

AIR WE GO

EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer

GRAVE ERROR

Mum died coughing up blood after accidental paracetamol overdose in hospital

One comment read: "Shambolic. And he knows it."

While a fellow racing viewer wrote: "100% will get changed on appeal. Staggering decision and explanation."

FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – 
• Gamble Aware – 

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.