Drama and disappointment ensued on the eve of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup when the ante-post favourite Riders Onthe Storm was pulled out of the race in error.
The 4/1 market leader was declared a non-runner instead of a horse due to contest a race at Bangor this afternoon.
The mix-up over Riders Onthe Storm and Rocco was quickly noticed by trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, however the British Horseracing Authority has said it cannot be rectified.
A BHA spokesman said: “Once a horse is declared a non-runner a notification is immediately published on the BHA website and racing admin site, and distributed to numerous data feeds including the betting markets.
"Reversing a non-runner after it has been notified can lead to significant confusion and this is why it is written into the rules of racing that a non-runner declaration cannot be withdrawn”.
Several bookmakers including Paddy Power, Ladbrokes and Coral are refunding stakes on the chaser.
Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “One has to feel for Nigel Twiston-Davies and the yard as mistakes happen in life and the way that Riders onthe Storm has been backed indicated that he’d have had a massive chance in this prestigious heat which the stable landed with Double Ross six years ago.
“Although we don’t have any obligation to refund ante post bets, on this occasion it seemed only fair to punters to do so as their fancy is only not running due to an understandable human error and the rules.
"Our actions might seem generous but, in reality, many of those receiving a refund will be gutted they’re not getting a run for their money as they were on at fancy prices.”
Runner-up to Riders Onthe Storm last time out, Cepage, may now start favourite for the £130,000 showpiece at the International Meeting.
