Racing: Pigeon fanciers the poorer as Gazelle proves too fast
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.AS LONG as there are punters misguided enough to support odds-on favourites in Brighton claimers, bookmakers will thrive. One backer in particular learned a painful lesson at the south coast track yesterday, investing pounds 5,000 to win pounds 1,000 on Cape Pigeon, only to see the 1-6 favourite finish third behind the 33-1 outsider of the four-runner field, Sharp Gazelle.
The general astonishment did not extend to Bryan Smart, the winning trainer, who had recently varied Sharp Gazelle's routine on the home gallops with encouraging results. 'I've been working her in front at Lambourn and she loves it,' Smart said. 'With Stephen Davies taking five pounds off, I knew she had a chance.'
Cape Pigeon was the card's second beaten odds-on favourite. Iradah started at 8-13 for the opening maiden, but finished last of seven behind Julie Cecil's Laune. Laune was the beaten favourite in her two previous races but was easy to back yesterday, drifting out to 10-1. Iradah's supporters probably failed to appreciate the irony.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments