BRITAIN'S worst racehorse, Quixall Crossett, returned from a 15-month absence last week to prove that it was as slow as ever. The horse is now on course to become the first thoroughbred to lose 100 consecutive races.
An unwanted place in the record books awaits the 15-year-old bay gelding after it finished a remote last of four at Wetherby - at odds of 33-1 - on the 98th run of a dismal career. The performance showed its die-hard fans that recovery from a tendon injury had done nothing to jeopardise its 100 per cent losing streak.
Over the next few weeks, Quixall Crossett will run twice more before being considered for a well-earned retirement by its trainer, Ted Caine, who also bred the horse at his farm at Fangdale Beck, near Middlesbrough.
The horse's losing run stretches back almost 11 years to its course debut at Doncaster in 1990. Since then, it has almost invariably either not completed the race or finished long after the winner.
There have been few - if any - flashes of talent as it stuck its neck out in search of elusive glory, racing at prices of up to 500-1. The horse has twice finished second and five times third, but this was usually when most of its rivals fell.
The Racing Post, the newspaper devoted to the sport, once said of its efforts: "Seriously slow maiden in danger of becoming a folk hero. Ran a cracker by his standards when he was second of two finishers in May."
Its total prize money of almost £10,000 for being placed makes only a small dent in its substantial stabling, training and racing costs. On average, it costs almost £20,000 to buy a racehorse and more than £14,000 a year to train it, although Mr Caine's costs are lower because he bred the horse, trains it and transports it to the track himself.
Every day, Quixall Crossett is ridden out by Mr Caine, his wife Joy or Geoff Sanderson, his stable lad. Mr Caine, 58, said: "He's a real character - a born survivor. He looks after himself on the racecourse but, then again, he also looks after his jockey. He's had a few falls, but no one has ever got hurt. He still enjoys [racing] and while he's doing that we won't retire him. He wouldn't keep going round on his own at the back of the field if he didn't like it."
Like all thoroughbreds, Quixall Crossett, celebrates its birthday on New Year's Day. Tomorrow, it turns 16 - an age when most racehorses have long headed off for pasture. As it continues turning defeat into an art form, the old slowcoach remains the Caines' pride and joy.
It races in the colours - white with blue spots and purple sleeves and cap - of their daughter, Karen Woodhead, the official owner. It owes its name to a footballer and a farm: Albert Quixall, the former Manchester United and England forward whose skills Mr Caine had always admired, and High Crossett Farm, where the Caines live.
Since Quixall Crossett broke the previous British losing record of Amrullah - with a mere 74 defeats - three years ago, it has developed a growing fan club and has inspired a website tracing its woeful career.
Mr Sanderson, the stable lad who organises the site and fan club, admits that he no longer expects victory when he watches the horse run.Mr Sanderson said: "I just want to see him enjoy himself and come back safe and sound."
Brough Scott, the racing broadcaster and columnist for The Telegraph, said: "The unbelievable thing about Quixall Crossett is that he keeps coming back for more. You have to hand it to the old boy - he has got racing completely sussed. He has found a very clever way of getting his oats with the minimum of effort."
Quixall Crossett, the English-based steeplechaser with no wins in 103 career starts, has been retired.
The 18-year-old son of Beverley Boy out of Grange Classic, by Stype Grange, last raced on November 18, 2001, at Ayr, losing by at least 100 lengths after unseating his rider. Trainer Ted Caine was warned by the British Jockey Club in January that he was in danger of losing his license due to concerns over Quixall Crossett's welfare. Caine has not had a runner since, Racing Post reports.
Quixall Crossett's losing streak attracted a following that included a fan club and Web site in his honor. He still receives Christmas cards, including one from former English soccer player Albert Quixall, for whom he was named.
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