The Ridler survives inquiry to spring huge 50-1 shock for Fahey and Hanagan

The Ridler: controversial winner of the Norfolk Stakes

Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Thursday: Norfolk Stakes, Royal Ascot

The Ridler sprang the biggest surprise in the history of the Norfolk Stakes when running out a 50-1 winner of the juvenile contest before surviving a stewards’ inquiry to keep the prize for trainer Richard Fahey and jockey Paul Hanagan, who was subsequently given a ten-day ban for careless riding.

Fahey recently announced that Hanagan would no longer be riding as first jockey for the yard, with Oisin Orr taking over, but The Ridler provided the combination with a timely reminder of all their previous success, including when Perfect Power won the same race last year.

Walbank was strongly supported in the market to take the prize, but it was the friendless The Ridler who eventually ended up in front where it mattered, although not without controversy.

As the race developed towards the stands’ side of the course, The Ridler was asked for his effort by Hanagan on the far side of the group, the jockey holding his whip in his right hand as his mount veered violently across the track to his left.

The Ridler (red) is on the far left under Paul Hanagan as they begin their charge towards the line

Sky Sports Racing

This second image shows just how far The Ridler drifted to his left having hampered Crispy Cat (white cap) and Brave Nation (green and yellow) on his way

Sky Sports Racing

The move badly hampered Crispy Cat and Brave Nation, who were challenging leader Walbank, with The Ridler eventually straightened out and punched out to win by Hanagan, who was riding his sixth winner at the meeting.

“He’s still very green and babyish,” Hanagan said, a point emphasised by the juvenile’s fractious behaviour in the paddock and at the stalls.

“I always felt I was clear. I don’t think they had to stop riding, that’s the impression I got. There’s a lot of emotions going through me at the minute. I’m delighted to ride Richard and the owners this winner, so I’ll enjoy the moment.

“It’s a big place to come to have too much confidence but I thought 50-1 was unfair. I came here not overconfident but not without a chance.”

He added: “I think the past few weeks have been tough and I think my family would vouch for that. But it’s onwards and upwards and keep going. That’s one for the family. The boys are getting a bit older now and they can appreciate what’s going on. They ask ‘any winners today, Dad?’ and I can say, ‘yeah a Royal Ascot winner’.”

An inquiry was called by the stewards after the race, but after viewing video evidence it was decided that the winner’s waywardness had not improved his finishing position. Connections of the placed horses were reportedly unhappy with how the finish to the race panned out.

Owned by Steve Bradley, The Ridler replaces 1997 winner Tippitt Boy, who scored at 33-1, as the longest-priced winner of the Norfolk Stakes.

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FIRST PUBLISHED 2:37PM, JUN 16 2022