Amateur Imogen Mathias loses 'debut win' at Chelmsford after weight cloth slips

It was a memorable first ride under rules for amateur Imogen Mathias at Chelmsford on Thursday night, but not one she will look back on with great fondness after her 'victory' on Winklemann was overturned because of an issue with the horse's weight cloth.

Mathias, riding for trainer John Flint in a 7f amateur riders' handicap, appeared to have bolted up on the six-year-old, only for her to weigh in at 8st 7lb having weighed out at 10st 10lb.

The rider, the trainer and the clerk of the scales were interviewed and it was found that the weight cloth had accidentally slipped off approximately one furlong from the start, with the subsequent disqualification handing fellow amateur Matthew Johnson a first career win on 40-1 shot Holy Tiber.

The unfortunate incident happened at ChelmsfordCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Flint said: "We had nearly 3st in the weight bag, it’s an awful lot of weight and it has worked its way back and fallen out halfway down the back straight. It’s a bit unfortunate.

"That was her first ride. She listened to orders and I think the horse is suited by these amateur races. But obviously if you’ve got 3st off your back you’re bound to win, aren’t you?"

Flint added: "I have seen weight cloths come off in jump racing but seldom have I seen it happen on the Flat.

“Imogen’s taken it in her stride; we’ll have to get her another spin soon just to get her confidence back again."

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