Closest finish in British racing history captured as THREE horses cross line at the same time

A long-time racecourse photographer was stunned when he managed to capture ‘one of the closest finishes’ in British racing history.

As three horses approached the crossing at the exact same time, Tony Knapton, 52, who has been taking pictures of races for 28 years said he had ‘never seen anything like it.’

The short three-quarter-mile race at Redcar, North Yorkshire, often sees hairline finishes – but this was one of the closest ever in history.

A long-time racecourse photographer was stunned when he managed to capture ‘one of the closest finishes’ in British racing history

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As three horses approached the crossing at the exact same time, Tony Knapton, 52, who has been taking pictures of races for 28 years said he had ‘never seen anything like it’

As the 12 jockeys thundered down the racetrack Project Black, horses Oneforsue and Hobson Point pulled ahead.

Mr Knapton, who has worked at the racecourse for 12 years said: ‘It was an incredible race to watch and standing at the finish line I was stunned at how close it was.

‘I was convinced that the jockey in the middle had won, I was looking at my photos and I honestly couldn’t separate the riders.

‘I spoke to the rider who came third and he couldn’t believe he’s come third, he must have been millimetres from winning the race.

The short three-quarter-mile race at Redcar, North Yorkshire, often sees hairline finishes – but this was one of the closest ever in history

Technology eventually managed to identify that Harrison Shaw, wearing a black and yellow spotted jersey, rode Project Black to victory

‘I have been covering races for the last 28 years and it’s very rare to see a photo finish between three riders.

‘Sometimes you get a neck and neck race between two but I can usually tell immediately who won.’

Technology eventually managed to identify that Harrison Shaw, wearing a black and yellow spotted jersey, rode Project Black to victory.

The official freeze frame shot shows the rider duplicated – to ascertain he’d finished in first place.