Backers of the last race winner at Beverley today almost failed to collect after a problem over the return of starting prices.
Under controversial guidelines introduced last month the starting price returners should not have quoted any prices after the East Yorkshire Motor Services NSPCC Apprentices' Maiden Handicap.
But mayhem in betting shops nationwide was averted when the two starting price reporters - Barry Wood and Paul Alster - used their judgment to return SPs.
It meant that backers of the winner Indian Bazaar - quoted at 3-1 joint favourite, the same price as the runner-up Shady Deal - were able to get their winnings.
The problem occurred because only four bookmakers on the course were showing prices just before the off.
Under the new guidelines, the SP returners are only supposed to compile a price from at least five bookmakers. It is the role of the National Joint Pitch Council to try and ensure that this happens.
Some of the bookies had erased their prices shortly before the off as they was there a slight delay to the race.
The changes in the way starting prices are returned were made in an attempt to prevent possible manipulation of a horse's odds.
But many in the industry, including Channel 4 Racing's betting guru John McCririck, believe the new system is too inflexible.
SP Executive member Jeremy Reed, managing director of Trinity Mirror Sports Division, said: "This is a matter that's of great concern to the SP Executive and it is something that we will be taking up with the NJPC at the earliest possible opportunity."
