Who let the dogs out? Two surprise runners gatecrash juvenile maiden hurdle at Musselburgh

Lucinda Russell saw the funny side after she saddled a one-two with Melinda and Johnny Ringo in the 1m7½f juvenile maiden hurdle, which featured a pair of unexpected participants.

Two white dogs briefly joined the runners after the final hurdle in the back straight, but were unable to make an impression on the protagonists, although Russell said the interlopers would not have worried her pair had they managed to get on terms.

"Our horses are very used to dogs, so it wouldn't have fazed them in the slightest!" she laughed. "Dogs and sheep – we don't mind if they come on the course because it wouldn't have bothered them anyway."

Dog days at Musselburgh

Two white dogs make a surprise appearance in the juvenile maiden hurdleCredit: Racing TV

The dogs, who thankfully caused no interference, pictured in among the runners at MusselburghCredit: Racing TV

After a brief run on track, the dogs scarper off the track unharmedCredit: Racing TV

The BHA stewards' report

The official report read: "It was noted that two dogs ran on to the track behind some runners as they approached the last hurdle in the back straight. Having spoken to the clerk of the course, he explained that the dogs belonged to a member of the public who was walking on public land adjacent to the racecourse and who had lost control of his dogs. The clerk of the course added that a member of security was positioned in the area and would be positioned there for the remainder of the meeting. The stewards noted this explanation."

Melinda was the lesser-fancied of the yard's two runners at 3-1, but the filly travelled smoothly under 5lb claimer Alan Doyle before seeing off her stablemate and the 15-8 favourite by a length and a half to make a winning hurdling debut.

"I was delighted with Melinda as she got quite a good weight allowance with the mares' allowance and Alan's claim," Russell said. "She's always been a very natural jumper and I was very pleased with her. She's got plenty of scope and I'll imagine she'll be able to go on from there.

"Johnny Ringo is actually quite funny because he just couldn't jump. This time last week we were a little bit worried, but he jumped really well on Monday so that was the breakthrough day. He's been jumping every day for a week and I was very pleased with him today.

"There's a little bit more improvement in him because he's learning with his jumping and he's higher rated on the Flat."

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