'Winning' gamble thrown out in stewards' room
Bakers Street (left) and Dark Outsider jump the last fence
© Photo Healy Racing
Dark Outsider (8/1) was awarded the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Chase in the stewards' room at Wexford today, with the decision coming at the expense of the gambled on first-past-the-post Bakers Street
The final fence was bypassed in the race due to the low-lying sun and Bakers Street, under Jeanie Cook, and Dark Outsider, under Danny Mullins, jumped the final obstacle, the usual second last fence, upsides. The pair were then forced to bypass the final fence on the left, but both came together on the run-in. Bakers Street edged left, causing some interference, and passed the post a head in front.
The Stewards later reversed the first two placings, with ten year old Dark Outsider claiming his fifth career success for his Co Cork based trainer Joe Dullea.
Following his promotion Dullea said "we had no explanation for his Killarney run. He came out of the race perfect. We actually rode him out the next day and we normally wouldn't. I saw this over two miles and I thought it would suit him. I was a bit worried when I saw the last was to be omitted.
"My initial thoughts were that there wasn't an awful lot in it, but when I saw the head on there was enough. I obviously feel sorry for Paul Power (trainer of Bakers Street) and Jeannie Cook, I know them well and they are friends of mine."
He added "Dark Outsider has been a great servant and that's his fifth win. He'll go to Tramore next week - he is probably better going left-handed but he has won around Tramore before.
"Danny was brilliant on him. He has always been the key to him. We have hit the cross bar a few times recently so it's great to get this."
Bakers Street had been the subject of a gamble, and having opened at 16/1 generally this morning, was returned a 5/1 chance on track.
Quotes from Donal Murphy