29-05-2025
Investigation launched into jockey's fall off leading horse as statement issued following controversial Wexford finish
AN investigation has been launched into a jockey's fall off a leading horse - as footage of the controversial Wexford finish spread like wildfire online.
Philip Byrnes was described on Racing TV as having a 'soft' unseat from Redwood Queen in the 2m1f hurdle race at the Irish track.
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The horse, who is trained by Charles Byrnes and owned by his son Cathal, opened at 7-2 but drifted to 7-1 before being sent off 13-2.
Gordon Elliott's Beacon Edge was 1-3 favourite but looked beaten as Byrnes - Charles' other son - cruised to the last two lengths clear on Redwood Queen.
Punters thought victory was in the bag as the eight-year-old mare hit 1.14 on the Betfair Exchange.
And she looked to take off straight and true at the last - only for Byrnes to exit the side door just before she landed safely on the other side.
That left Elliott's charge with an uncontested lead as he sauntered home by 22 lengths to scoop the £5,000 first-place prize.
There was disbelief among punters as the raceday stewards initially deemed the incident did not warrant any further action.
But an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board spokesperson confirmed on Thursday morning: "We note the position of the raceday stewards following their review of the incident.
"We can now confirm the matter is down for review by an IHRB senior racing official."
The stewards' report issued after the race read: "The raceday stewards reviewed the unseating of Philip Byrnes, rider of Redwood Queen, at the last hurdle when leading.
"Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the raceday stewards took no further action."
More to follow.
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