The trainer of Harry Redknapp's horse has conceded defeat after a chaotic final race at Cheltenham's Festival Trials Day, where fading light made the photo finish nearly impossible to read.
Ben Pauling, who trains Taurus Bay for the former football manager, was one of several professionals called to inspect a hole in the track that delayed the Grade Two AIS Novices' Hurdle by nearly half an hour. The race eventually went ahead at 4.43pm, but as the 2m4½f contest concluded, the light had faded so much that the photo print was unclear.
The result was decided using video footage, which Pauling said showed Kripticjim winning by a head. 'From what I can work out, the photo you can't see because it's too dark so they have to use the video footage which in my eyes is conclusive,' he said. 'I just heard there was a question over the technology so I just wanted to see for myself.'
Kripticjim's trainer Joe Tizzard said his owners were 'nervous watching it at home' but added he was satisfied with the safety checks. Clerk of the course Jon Pullin confirmed the area of concern was moved by shifting a section of rail, and all parties deemed conditions safe.
Nicky Henderson withdrew his intended runner Act Of Innocence before the race. An investigation will now be held by Pullin and his team, with the Cheltenham Festival just over six weeks away.
