Depending on which bookie they were gambling with, bettors were either disgusted or relived with the result of the 3pm race at Exeter on New Year's Day.
Just three went to post in the beginners' chase over 2m 1f in some heavy going at the course.
Favourite for the race was Report To Base with Adam Wedge aboard. As runners approached the third last fence, there was a moment of controversy when Wedge avoided the jump.
Speaking to the Racing Post after the race, Wedge called it a "brain freeze" on his part.
There's no explanation. I apologise to everyone who backed the horse, the owners and the trainer Evan Williams.
I just had a brain freeze I think. I can't even tell you what happened to be honest – the first thing I knew [about the mistake] was when Tom Scu told me.
A number bookies paid out as Report To Base had been the first past the post. However, others did not. Valhalla, with Tom Scudamore, was declared the official winner.
Wedge, following a stewards inquiry which saw Report To Base disqualified, was hit with a three-week ban.
Drama here at Exeter as Report To Base misses out the third-last fence. Valhalla, who was second past the post, now the winner of the Premier League Betting At 188Bet Beginners' Chase. pic.twitter.com/BSdFYU5LiV
— Exeter Racecourse (@ExeterRaces) January 1, 2018
