Epsom chaos as favourite Benvenuto Cellini ruled a non-runner to spark betting mayhem

Some punters at Epsom will have found themselves in ‘absolute chaos’ after Benvenuto Cellini was ruled a non-runner.

The three-year-old was the heavy favourite going into this year’s Derby.

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However, Benvenuto Cellini did not live up to its billing and rarely threatened during the race, which was won by Christmas Day.

Despite the poor display on the track, punters who got behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained horse were given a lucky reprieve.

Why was Benvenuto Cellini a non-runner in the Epsom Derby?

That’s because Benvenuto Cellini was declared a non-runner due to not getting a fair start, with ITV cameras showing the horse with his left hind leg up in the stalls.

It resulted in a Rule 4, which means punters’ winnings are reduced while those who bet on Benvenuto Cellini had their wagers refunded.

Reacting to replays of the start prior to a Rule 4 being invoked, an ITV commentator said: “If we go with precedent and of course that’s not always the case in these sorts of inquiries, this is exactly the same that happened to Harry Angel.

“Look at the hind leg on the shelf of the stall. When we go to jump away, that leg stays in that position. You see Ryan [Moore] look down.

“Now, that happened to Harry Angel, I think it was in the Coronation Cup and it also happened at Chepstow relatively recently.

“Now, this will create absolute chaos in the betting ring. But, I think if they follow precedent, then that horse will be deemed not to have had a fair start.”

More to follow…

ITV