Ouch: £23,066 traded at 1.01 on Sandy Boy but he finishes out of the places

Racing's unpredictability was epitomised in the 2m7f handicap hurdle at Exeter on Tuesday when Sandy Boy, who was trading at 1.01 in running on the Betfair exchange, went from all but certain to win in the final 50 yards to finish an unbelievable fourth.

The five-year-old was sent off as 6-4 favourite for the handicap hurdle and had a battle with Quiz Master up the straight before extending his advantage on the run to the line, with £23,066 traded at odds of 1.01 – equivalent to 1-100.

But as the line approached he slowed dramatically and veered left into the path of Quiz Master and the fast-finishing Doctor Look Here, allowing Heavey to sneak up on the rail for the most unlikely win. Just £31 was traded on the winner at odds between 100 and 330.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: ‘’What a bizarre way for in-running backers to lose their money but with over £23k bet at the basement price it left the layers happy."

Paddy Power said they would refund bets on Sandy Boy as a free bet (singles only with no maximum stakes).

Richard Johnson, who rode Sandy Boy, said: "The horse is okay. I'm not really sure what went on."

The post-race stewards' report stated: "The interference was found to be accidental as Sandy Boy had cocked its jaw and ducked sharply left-handed without warning on two occasions, despite Johnson’s considerable efforts to correct the gelding from causing interference to the runners on his outside, resulting in Quiz Master and Doctor Look Here both being badly hampered."

There was also drama at the third last, where Airton fell and Just So Cool was brought down. Both were on their feet after the race.

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