A PUNTER landed a truly massive winner – after 150-1 no-hoper pacemaker Qirat pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the history of racing.
Qirat was only in the £1million Sussex Stakes as a front-runner for the John & Thady Gosden-trained 1-3 banker Field Of Gold.
PAQirat stormed home from the front as 1-3 fav Field Of Gold, the grey at the back, failed to pick up and match his pacemaker[/caption]
PAThere was utter disbelief at Goodwood after Qirat won the Sussex at 150-1[/caption]
GettyBarely a punter at Goodwood was celebrating after Qirat won the Sussex Stakes – in what could be the biggest shock ever in a Group 1[/caption]
Incredibly, he wasn’t even in the race originally – only being supplemented late on for a fee of £70,000.
But he stole a march on the field and eventually Derby-winning jockey Richard Kingscote gave up waiting for Field Of Gold, who was ridden by William Buick with regular jockey Colin Keane banned, to appear.
Qirat, whose price hit 459-1 in-running, ploughed on and saw off a fast-finishing Rosallion to seal one of the biggest upsets ever – and a cheque for £600,000.
While one Ladbrokes punter was £7,500 better off after sticking £50 on Qirat at 150s.
They might have been the only person in the country to back him.
Certainly it looked like no one at Sussex track Goodwood did, as there was silence as he crossed the line.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Hardly anyone saw that result coming, but Qirat’s Sussex Stakes upset left one punter in particular £7.5k better off in one of the biggest shocks we’ve seen at Glorious Goodwood.”
As stats boffins trawled the record books it was claimed on ITV that Qirat was the biggest-priced winner of a Group 1 ever.
Group 1s, which date back hundreds of years, are the Champions League of racing and reserved for only the very best horses.
Prior to the race everyone thought the best of the best was Royal Ascot hero Field Of Gold.
But a stunned John Gosden said: “We were sitting back a long way and the pacemaker goes and wins it.
“He ran on but didn’t seem too well balanced on the track.
“But I’m not making excuses.
“We ignored the pacemaker and we paid the price.
“William (Buick, jockey) said he didn’t seem comfortable and as soon as he asked him for more, the engine wasn’t there.”
The previous biggest winner of this race was 20-1 – showing the scale of the Qirat shock.
Arc de Triomphe-winning trainer Ralph Beckett, who pleaded with owners Juddmonte for Qirat to be given a spot in the race, said: “I’m sorry – but I’m not that sorry!
“He’s a real Goodwood specialist and Richard is very good in this role.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
