That Wexford Race Has Everyone Talking (And Not in a Good Way)

By Lewis Barnett 29 May, 2025 6 mins read 90 Views

Holy hell. I've been covering horse racing for twelve years now, and I thought I'd seen everything.

Then Wednesday happened at Wexford, and my phone hasn't stopped buzzing since. The footage is everywhere - Twitter, WhatsApp groups, even my mum sent it to me on Facebook with three shocked face emojis. Philip Byrnes literally just... fell off. At the last hurdle. While winning by two lengths.

Play the Audio Version

The Fall That Broke the Internet

Racing TV called it a "soft unseat" which is probably the most diplomatic way to describe what looked like a jockey deciding mid-jump that he'd rather be anywhere else. Redwood Queen - trained by Charles Byrnes, ridden by his son Philip, owned by his other son Cathal (keeping it in the family, clearly) - was cruising to victory in the 2m1f hurdle.

The mare opened at 7-2. Got smashed into 13-8. Then drifted like a piece of driftwood all the way out to 7-1 before settling at 13-2 by post time.

Meanwhile, Gordon Elliott's Beacon Edge was the 1-3 favourite but looked absolutely cooked as they approached the final flight. Punters on Betfair had Redwood Queen at 1.14 - basically free money territory. I know a guy who put his mortgage payment on her at that price.

Poor bastard.

Physics Doesn't Work That Way

Here's the thing that's got everyone scratching their heads: horses don't usually launch their jockeys into orbit when they jump cleanly. Redwood Queen took off straight, landed safely on all fours, and somehow Philip Byrnes ended up examining the turf from ground level.

The stewards initially said "nothing to see here, move along." Their report was basically: "We looked at it, thought about it, decided not to think about it anymore."

But Thursday morning brought different news. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board - probably after their phones melted from angry punters - announced they're taking another look. A "senior racing official" is now reviewing the matter, which in racing speak means someone's in deep trouble.

When £5,000 Changes Hands This Easily

Elliott's Beacon Edge strolled home by 22 lengths after inheriting the lead. Twenty-two lengths! In a competitive hurdle race! That's like winning a marathon because the guy in first place decided to take a nap at mile 25.

The whole thing has that smell about it - you know the one. When something looks so obviously wrong that even your gran would raise an eyebrow, and she thinks all jockeys are "lovely young men doing their best."

I've seen plenty of controversial finishes, but this one takes the cake. The betting patterns, the family connections, the timing of that fall... it's like someone wrote a textbook on "How to Make Racing Look Dodgy 101" and used this race as the final exam.

What Happens Next?

The IHRB investigation could take weeks. They'll examine everything - betting records, communications, probably Philip Byrnes' breakfast choices for the past month. These things get thorough when they smell something fishy.

Racing's reputation has taken enough hits lately without needing this kind of circus. The sport's trying to clean up its image, attract new fans, convince people it's not just a vehicle for dodgy dealings.

Then along comes Wednesday at Wexford.

Listen, maybe Philip Byrnes genuinely lost his balance. Maybe it was just one of those freak accidents that happen in sport. Maybe I'm being too cynical after covering this game for over a decade.

But when footage goes viral for all the wrong reasons, when punters are screaming bloody murder on social media, when even the officials who initially cleared it decide they need another look... well, that tells you everything you need to know about how this looks from the outside.

Racing doesn't need this kind of publicity. Not now, not ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to describe a horse as a "stayer" in racing terms

A'stayer,' in racing terms is a horse who excels at racing long distances. Typically, the distances exceed one mile. Stayers need to be fast and have endurance in order to keep up a good pace for long races. Renowned keepers often compete at long-distance races, such as the Ascot Gold Cup.

How can the safety of riders and horses be maintained during a horse race?

Safety is paramount in UK horseracing. This includes both the horses and their riders. Stringent regulations are in place to ensure that racecourses meet high safety standards, including the condition of the tracks and the quality of the jumps. Horses are subjected to health checks both before and following races. Jockeys also wear safety gear, such as helmets and protective body armor. Rapid response teams and veterinarians are also on hand to deal with any incident.

What is the significance behind the jockey's sashes?

The jockeys’ silks consist of colorful and patterned clothes worn by the jockeys in a race. Each set has a unique number and is registered to a horse's owner. This allows spectators and officials the ability to quickly identify horses in the race. Silks are often a tradition or hold sentimental value for their owners. They can be adorned with a variety colors, patterns, and symbols.

What does the word "Going" mean in horse racing?

'Going" refers to the surface condition of the track on the day a race takes place. It can have a significant impact on the performance of horses and the outcome. The 'Going,' which is the surface, can be anything from very wet and soft to hard and dry. There are a number of gradations between the two, such as good to soft and good to hard. Trainers or jockeys need to consider the "Going", especially when it comes to choosing equipment and racing strategy.

What does the term 'photo finish' mean in horse racing?

Two or more horses crossing the finish line at the same time can result in a photo finish.' This is because it's difficult to see the winner. In these situations, race officials are able to use a high-speed camera to record images of the moment the noses of each horse reach the finish. Officials can accurately determine the order of finish by using the photo finish image.

How does handicapping in UK horse racing work?

In UK race horse racing, handicapping is used to give all horses an equal chance of success. Essentially, horses are assigned different weights to carry during the race based on their past performances. Better horses carry heavier loads to even the playing field for horses with less impressive past performances. The British Horseracing Authority, which is responsible in the UK for the handicapping system, regularly updates the ratings following the results.

Statistics

The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.
British horse racing generates over £350 million in annual tax revenues for the UK government.
Around 14,000 thoroughbred foals are born each year in the UK with the goal of becoming top racehorses.
The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.
British racing oversees around 1,500 fixtures annually across its 59 racecourses.
There are over 8,000 active racehorse owners in the UK, ranging from royals to common citizens.

External Links

How To

How to take part in Horse Racing Syndicates In The UK

Participating in a horse racing syndicate in the UK allows individuals to collectively own a racehorse and share the costs and experiences. Find a syndicate that suits your budget and interests. The syndicate managers are responsible for the care and training of the horse, as well as organizing trips to the trainer's stable and the races. Decide how much financial and emotional commitment you want to make, as it can differ from syndicates. Be sure to have all the paperwork in order, including ownership shares, liability agreements, and decisions about the horse's race career and welfare.