THE Chepstow crowd jeered as Thursday’s Racing League got off to a baaaaaaaaad start – when sheep invaded the track.
And matters were made worse when the unlucky track workers sent to deal with the incident were branded ‘absolutely clueless’ by ITV Racing host Luke Harvey.
The first race on last night’s card was delayed 12 minutes after a number of sheep made their way onto the Chepstow straight.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
THE best bet for savvy punters.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winner’s enclosure and get…
- Two free racing tickets, four times a year
- Templegate’s daily tips before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact [email protected]
Around four people working at the Welsh racecourse ran up to near the start to try to convince the stubborn sheep to move back to their field.
But ewe you could see early on that they lacked the necessary expertise – and could have done with having a sheepdog.
As horses strolled up to the starting gates, the sheep went from one side of the track to the other.
After several minutes it looked like they were going to squeeze through the gap in the fence to make it back to their home.
But instead they turned round and ran back down the track – as jeers rang out from the betting ring.
Eventually they were cleared, with the opening 5.30pm race – won by 10-1 Great Acclaim for Matt Chapman’s Team London and the South – going off at 5.42pm.
Punters watching the action at home were in stitches.
Most read in Horse Racing
One said: “Ewe have to laugh.”
While another wrote: “The Best thing to be shown on ITV racing for a very very long time.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.