Punters were astonished as a 150-1 underdog caused a major upset in a £1 million horse race on Wednesday, delivering one of the most surprising wins in racing history.
The Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes, a prestigious mile race in Europe, featured a showdown between Field Of Gold and Rosallion, the favorites of the event. Juddmonte, the owners of Field Of Gold, included Qirat in the field as a pacemaker, who was priced at 150-1 in the betting market.
During the race, as expected pacemakers faltered, Qirat surged ahead unexpectedly, securing a victory that stunned spectators and delighted a Ladbrokes bettor who had placed a £50 bet on the underdog.
Field Of Gold, the top contender, failed to make an impact, finishing fourth, while Rosallion came close to catching up with the surprising leader, falling short by a neck. Jockey Richard Kingscote, celebrating his first Glorious Goodwood win in a decade, expressed his satisfaction with the performance.
Trainer Ralph Beckett defended the strategy, emphasizing Qirat’s suitability for the track and praising jockey Kingscote’s skill in executing the plan. The stewards conducted an inquiry into Qirat’s improved form compared to a previous race at Royal Ascot.
Despite the unexpected outcome, the race showcased the unpredictability of horse racing, with Field Of Gold’s trainer, John Gosden, acknowledging the challenges of the track and the dynamics of the race.
The upset victory not only surprised spectators but also resulted in a significant win for a Ladbrokes customer from Didcot, who pocketed £7,550 from a £50 bet on Qirat.
In summary, the remarkable turn of events at the Sussex Stakes race highlighted the thrilling and unpredictable nature of horse racing, leaving both punters and experts astonished by the unexpected triumph of the 150-1 outsider, Qirat.
