GAMBLING INSIDER

William Hill has called on the British Horseracing Association (BHA) to refund bookmakers after a stewards mistake at Lingfield yesterday left them out of pocket.

After a foggy day at the racecourse, a photo finish was amended after the judge called incorrect placings, however the result was left as it was originally declared for betting purposes, leaving both punters and bookmakers frustrated.

Understandably, punters were frustrated and confused and most bookmakers agreed to pay out on each way bets for the two runners, despite being under no obligation to do so.

Jon Ivan-Duke from William Hill told the Racing Post: “Punters shouldn’t have to suffer so we’ll pay out on ‘both’ results on this occasion, but the BHA should refund bookmakers for every error of this nature.

“It is entirely the fault of the judge, so why should bookmakers bear the brunt of another sorry saga from British horseracing? Unfortunately, trust in the governing body is at an all-time low and that confidence needs to be restored as a matter of urgency.”

BHA media manager Robin Mounsey says: “We regret that the result was initially called incorrectly. We are aware of the obvious betting implications and are taking this very seriously. A report will be forwarded to the BHA’s head office in order that we can examine all the circumstances and decide what action is necessary.”