The Tote and partner Britbet ended 2018 in embarrassing circumstances, when the last-race favourite at Lingfield was displayed as a non-runner on the betting screens.
Stopdworldnletmeof - trained by David Flood, was shown as one of three non-runners in the five-furlong handicap to round off proceedings. However, he had not been withdrawn and was eventually sent off the 15-8 favourite.
The now 5yo gelding - yet to win any race under rules in 21 attempts, went onto finish second in the seven-runner field, with several racegoers seeking to take legal action with their bets.
The sprinter had been double declared at the meeting, and skipped his other potential engagement before the New Year in favour of this one. The double declaration was what led to the error on the betting screens.
(Credit: Racing Post) Britbet managing director Nigel Roddis said: "There was an issue with the double declaration for the display system, though it did not affect any of the betting systems.
"I apologise to those affected as there was a degree of confusion and we will work to rectify the issue and ensure it doesn't happen again."
While Britbet staff who were aware of the mistake told Tote backers that the favourite was in-fact running, the approximate odds on the screens did not include Stopdworldnletmof in any of the markets.
More to follow.