'It's an absolute disgrace' - layers furious as they count cost of photo farce

Bookmakers were left to count the cost of the photo-finish blunder to the EBF Final at Sandown which resulted in many firms paying out twice.

They paid out on official winner Third Wind as well as One For Rosie, who was incorrectly announced the winner after the judge Paul Champion based his decision on an image taken at the wrong winning post.

Sky Bet's Michael Shinners said it was "without doubt the most expensive goodwill gesture given back to Sky Bet customers", while on-course bookmaker Mike Christie, betting under the Roy Christie banner, said "it's an absolute disgrace". William Hill claim it cost the firm "a significant six-figure sum".

Confusion reigned after One For Rosie was initially called the winner of the 2m4f handicap hurdle, only for the result to be revised after a lengthy delay but before the weighed-in signal had been given.

The result becomes official only when the 'weighed-in' is called but most on-course bookmakers had already paid out, while all the major off-course firms paid out on both results as a goodwill gesture.

Coral spokesman David Stevens said: "This was a not insignificant goodwill payment but we believe it was the fairest way to treat our customers, although it is incredibly frustrating that once again we are left picking up the tab for someone else’s mistake."

The right decision at Sandown

Christie said: "It cost us more than £1,200. We don't blame the punters, but none of them came and gave the money back.

"It's an absolute disgrace. Nobody from the racecourse came into the betting ring to explain the situation, or apologise.

"Every bookie here would have lost money on that. Some may have only paid out £500. I reckon the average would be £800. We've paid the each-way part on the amended winner, so we've got the punters' tickets and it creates problems."

Punter Andy Charles was one such affected punter and said: "They gave the original result and I went and picked up the place part of my bet thinking everything was great. Somebody then showed me the photo and I knew they would change the result.

"I went to the bookmakers to see if they would pay out and they referred me to the betting ring inspector. I had to wait another three races to see him. They've given me a claim form, so I either have to see the bookmaker after the last or wait and get paid in the post."

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