Judge Guy Lewis takes on commentary role to save the day at Newton Abbot

Racecourse judge Guy Lewis stepped in to save the day at a busy Newton Abbot on Monday when the booked commentator failed to arrive.

Lewis, a former jockey who has also worked for Teamtalk and Ladbrokes where he occasionally called greyhound races, picked up the microphone in the judge's box as the 13 runners jumped off in the opening 2m5½f handicap hurdle.

After a near-perfect call – the blemish was when he said Dan rather than Harry Skelton was riding eventual winner Bold Image – Lewis had to quickly revert to his role as judge and decipher a photograph for second place.

When it became apparent there had been a mix-up Lewis continued in his commentary role and received plenty of praise for his efforts.

Lewis said: "It was a bit of a shock when I realised there was no commentary as they started and I had to jump in totally unprepared."

After three races Lewis added: "I am quite enjoying it now but I wouldn't want to do a 30-runner handicap!"

Newton Abbot result

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