Watch: 'Very concerning' ride to be investigated as leader blows huge margin

A formal review of a race in Canada has been requested due to the "very concerning" circumstances of the runner-up appearing to stop when clear before renewing an effort and losing in a photo-finish.

King Witt, ridden by Sheldon Chickeness and trained by Jerry Gourneau, was a notable drifter ahead of race five at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Manitoba. According to the track's TV feed he was as short as 9-5, but drifted out to 5-1 before going off 7-2.

He surged out of the gate from the inside stall in the 7½f maiden claimer – worth CAN$10,000 (£6,500) – and built up a wide margin in the back straight. By the final turn, Chickeness had established at least a five-length advantage and appeared to be cruising as his seven rivals struggled.

Chickeness glanced over his shoulder before his mount slowed down considerably and their lead was reduced to a length before King Witt seemed to almost come to a standstill on the straight.

Five rivals took advantage and their chance seemed to have gone but when put under pressure, King Witt responded well to power to the line, although it was not enough to beat the winner Mucho Express.

The stewards' report did not mention an inquiry on Friday morning and according to the Paulick Report, the track has reached out to the province's gambling regulator to review the race. Manitoba Jockey Club's chief executive Darren Dunn said it was done due to the "great concern with the public from a perception standpoint".

He said: “The unusual nature of the stretch drive has caused us to reach out and make this request.

"When I watched the race in real time, my first reaction was that the jockey was pulling the horse up due to a potential injury. When the jockey re-engaged the horse after the balance of the field caught up and then began to aggressively ride the horse to the finish line, the sudden change was very concerning."

The winner, ridden by Antonio Whitehall and trained by Courtney Ross, was available at 5-1 shortly after the conclusion of the previous race but his price shortened to 2-1 by the off.

Chickeness is a regular at Assiniboia Downs and enjoyed a career highlight last September when riding a five-timer at the track. Gourneau, meanwhile, was named the track's trainer of the year in 2018. King Witt has yet to win in ten starts.

How it happened

King Witt begins to go clear in the 7½ maiden claimer approaching the final bend

Sheldon Chickeness and King Witt kicks on and moves well clear

King Witt turns for home but, after several glances over the shoulder from his jockey, is slowing down considerably and the challengers are within a few lengths

He almost stops to a standstill and is overtaken

King Witt lost all momentum and five horses are ahead of him but Chickeness is putting him under pressure and he is starting to respond

The pair go forward but the run comes a little too late as Mucho Express holds on to win

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