Pint of beer thrown towards Windsor race winner Due To Henry

Racing fans have called on authorities to ban the person responsible for throwing a plastic beer cup at a winning horse.

Due To Henry was crossing the line at Windsor races on Monday evening when the object was hurled in his direction.

The incident, picked up by Sky Sports Racing cameras, shows it landing in front of the 11-4 chance, ridden by reigning champion jockey William Buick.

The horse’s trainer Eve Johnson Houghton shared the footage and urged the racecourse to find the culprit. Officials have said they are aware of what happened and will investigate with the track’s CCTV footage.

“If we find the individual then they won’t be welcome back to Windsor again,” clerk of the course Charlie Rees told the Racing Post.

Having his second start in a handicap, Due To Henry finished comfortably clear of runner-up Royal Blaze. Third-placed Expected Arrival, the mount of Benoit De La Sayette, galloped over the plastic cup as it landed.

Dylan Cunha, a training colleague of Johnson Houghton, described the act as “shocking behaviour.”

Another X user said: “Identify and ban from all racecourses from life.”

While a third added: “That’s disgusting, could have easily spooked the horse and ended up hurting the jockey or other horses.”

The British Horseracing Authority is liaising with Windsor Racecourse and it is understood that if the individual can be identified, regulatory action would be considered.

In 2022, Grand National-winning jockey Davy Russell was riding Grand Paradis when a drink was thrown in his direction.

There was also another incident in the same year at Yarmouth Racecourse.

Windsor’s meeting had a ‘Rum and Reggae’ theme and was part of a free ticket giveaway by owners Arena Racing Company at eight fixtures, to celebrate England reaching the Euro 2024 final.