Johnston runner one of most expensive losers in Betfair history

Seyaady became one of the most expensive 1.01 losers in Betfair history when touched off in the opening race at Carlisle on Monday.

Hamdan Al Maktoum's debutant was sent off at 10-1 and looked to have won a three-way battle with Ventura Dragon and Magic Mark as he crossed the line.

However, to the disbelief of many punters, the photo-finish revealed that Ventura Dragon had stayed on strongly to win by the shortest of margins.

How TV viewers saw finish of raceCredit: Racing UK

A total of £85,952 was traded on Seyaady at the minimum price on Betfair, while the winner was matched at the maximum of 1,000.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr confirmed the amount matched on Seyaady at 1.01 was the ninth highest on a horse that failed to win.

Orr said: "Seyaady getting beat was a serious reverse for some customers and it now ranks in the top ten in-running losers on Betfair but is some way behind Kay Gee Be who was denied in a Nottingham Handicap back in October 2011 with £404,647 matched on him in-running.’’

Reaction from connections

Charlie Johnston, son of trainer Mark, said: "I can't believe it but it's clear on the photo. Dad was driving down from Glasgow and stopped at a bookies to watch the race and left thinking we'd won as they called ours the winner in the shop."

Tony Hamilton, rider of the eventual winner Ventura Dragon, said: "I wasn't 100 per cent but I thought we'd just got there. He never really travelled on the bridle and probably wants six or seven furlongs as that appeared sharp enough for him."

Costly failures – other expensive 1.01 losers

Kay Gee Be
Date: October 26, 2011
Distance/race: 1m½f handicap
Amount matched: £404,647
Nottingham's tricky camera angle has a habit of catching out punters and it did so in spectacular fashion when Kay Gee Be, who had seemingly won comfortably, had actually been chinned on the line.

Alpine Breeze
November 11, 2012
2m5½f handicap chase
£157,012
It looked as if Alpine Breeze had dropped her head in front at Market Rasen when it mattered most. However, after a lengthy photo finish it was revealed she had done enough only to share the spoils.

Silverware
August 17, 2011
7f handicap
£117,480
It looked as if Silverware had won outright at Folkestone as they passed the post but a photo revealed he had been joined on the line by the well-timed lunge of a rival.

Duntle
September 8, 2012
1m Group 1
£116,750
Punters waded into Duntle on the exchange only to see her demoted from first spot in the Matron Stakes for causing interference.