'Perplexing race' to be reviewed after favourite slows and loses in controversial fashion

A race in Canada is under review after a favourite gave up a huge lead in the straight, having slowed down markedly in the closing stages under a hands-and-heels ride.

Veteran Kirk Johnson was aboard 6-5 shot Princess O Denmark in a 5f maiden claimer at Fort Erie on Monday, when he shot out of the gates, led by six lengths turning in and cruised to as much as 70 yards in front of the pack, according to the commentator.

Canadian jockey Kirk Johnson has been riding since 2005Credit: Mike Campbell/NurPhoto

Yet Johnson, who has been riding for 20 years, looked over his shoulder as the pack closed with commentator Doug McPherson remarking: "Princess O Denmark is not even being asked as they come to the wire".

Her lead was quickly diminishing in the closing stages, with Johnson more animated in the saddle, but 9-2 shot Rolling Roxxx caught her for a surprising win.

McPherson called it a "very perplexing race" and regulators, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, are reviewing it, according to the Paulick Report.

Johnson will be able to continue riding until the conclusion of the review, and he won the next race with a front-running ride on Video Evidence.

How the race unfolded

Princess O Denmark holds a commanding advantage turning into the home straightCredit: At The Races

With less than a furlong to go the advantage is still a wide one with Johnson riding quietly in the saddleCredit: At The Races

All of a sudden Rolling Roxxx emerges from the pack and closes in on Princess O Denmark, with Johnson getting more animated in the saddle as his lead diminishesCredit: At The Races

Rolling Roxxx charges past the favourite in the final stridesCredit: At The Races

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