PUNTERS were left absolutely fuming after yet more false start drama hit Cheltenham Festival.
Seven jockeys were banned on day two for ‘misconduct‘ at the start – resulting in several false starts which hampered horses’ chances.
The race started with the fancied Willie Mullins-trained Maughreen facing the wrong way
She was completely detached and had no chance after yet more false start drama
🗣️ "She's one of a dozen horses this week which have been impacted by standing starts."
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 13, 2025
🫣 Look away now Maughreen backers @DanBarberTF with some strong words regarding the standard of the starts at Cheltenham this week pic.twitter.com/NC4jSNwHt0
But the worst of the lot hit the 11-1 Willie Mullins-trained Maughreen on the first race on Thursday, the Grade 2 Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
After one false start the 24 mares were led back into a line for a standing start – except Maughreen, who was ridden by Willie’s son Patrick.
She was facing the wrong way and whipped round at the start just as the flag went down, giving her and punters who backed her absolutely no chance.
It is the starter’s job to realise when a horse is facing the wrong way and give it a chance to get right before setting off.
But totally detached as the race just got underway, Maughreen had already given up a good 30 lengths and had no chance of getting it back.
Punters let their anger be known on social media – while pundits at the track said it was a joke as well.
Fuming Racing TV presenter Dan Barber said: “I don’t even think it’s a blame game. The law is an ass.
“The preferred method to start a race over jumps is a walk-in start, so why then refer to an inferior option after one go?
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“Maughreen has had one run and her campaign has been building up to one day.
“She’s one of a dozen horses who have been impacted this week by standing starts.
“They really should try walk-in starts again – I think the rule is stupid.”
One punter wrote: “Maughreen facing backwards when the starter said go. Farce.”
Another said: “Maughreen facing the wrong way at the start, should be voided.”
And a fellow punter posted: “Maughreen facing wrong way. How is that right.”
Jockey Keith Donoghue, one of those banned after winning a race on Wednesday, was scathing of the starters.
He said: “Use common sense, they don’t like doing that too often.”
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