'Very perplexing' race under review after fans accuse beaten jockey of 'fixing'

A race, described by the commentator as ‘very perplexing', is under review after a jockey surrendered a huge lead and lost.

Controversy raged among fans after replays of race four at Fort Erie, in Canada, were shared on social media on Monday. As the 5f maiden claiming race unfolded, front runner Princess O Denmark turned into the short stretch holding a clear advantage. The leader’s jockey Kirk Johnson appeared to be doing very little pushing as the pair begin to coast towards the winning post.

READ MORE: Top jockey’s tribute to superstar racehorse as champion’s grave is officially opened to public

READ MORE: Grand National winning trainer takes up joint licence with champion jockey’s son

He took three glances behind him and when he finally raised his effort to try to repel his closing rivals, it was too late as they were overtaken by Rolling Roxx who won by three quarters of a length.

Track commentator Drew McPherson said: “She’s got to be 70 yards in front with almost a furlong to travel. The battle is for second. Princess O Denmark is not even being asked as they come down to the wire.”

Then he said: “Here comes Rolling Roxx. Princess O Denmark is stopping at the wire What a race! Very perplexing race there. Rolling Roxx just got up over a stopping Princess O Denmark.”

Fox Sports host Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica shared the video to his 160,000 followers and said: “Jockey should never be allowed to ride again.”

Another comment said: “Mr Johnson should be immediately suspended indefinitely. In fact he should be investigated by law enforcement for fixing a sporting event.” While others alleged the race was “fixed”.

Johnson is an experienced jockey who has ridden nearly 1,000 winners and there were plenty of supporting comments.

David Ezra, a former announcer and trainer, told Fort Erie Radiothere was “no nefarious activity.

He said Princess O Denmark was a horse that did not respond to the whip. “Kirk was trying to win and trying to keep the horse together.”

The Senior stewards report said: “Notice of review issued to jockey Kirk Johnson to review in the stretch regarding his ride on #6 ‘Princess O Denmark’ who was passed very late for the win.”