Kirby denied four-timer as stewards demote Divine Messenger

Adam Kirby was denied a four-timer in dramatic circumstances when Divine Messenger was demoted to second after beating Ban Shoof a head in the first division of the 1m2f handicap.

From the side it looked as if Ban Shoof had simply been reluctant to go past, but the head-on view told a very different story and revealed Divine Messenger broadsided his rival when swerving violently right inside the last 50 yards.

Kirby insisted he would keep the race, reasoning that the runner-up had plenty of time to go past if he was good enough, but exchange punters knew better and Ban Shoof was soon trading at around 1-33 on Betfair to get the race in the stewards' room.