Landmark race for lovable loser

Quixall secures his place in the hall of fame

BBC Sport Online's Mike Burnett looks at the losing phenomenon Quixall Crossett as he prepares for his 100th defeat on Sunday.

A thriving fan club and website is something you may expect from a pop star or top athlete, but never a racehorse, especially if they have yet to win a race in their 11-year career.

But in Britain, we are all rather partial to losers, and they do not come more lovable than Quixall Crossett.

A huge crowd of fans is expected to witness the 16-year-old gelding finally complete one of the biggest losing streaks in sport at Southwell on 22 July.

He's genuine, he enjoys what he's doing and he'll give you everything he's got

Geoff Sanderson
Assistant trainer

He runs in the 1550BST, the Ropewalk Chambers Maiden Chase (Div 2).

And the Racing Post's verdict on his chances is clear: "Looks a banker to gain his 100th loss over fences."

Quixall overtook Amrullah's record of 74 straight losses in 1998.

But he still has a way to go before catching up with the world all-time loser, Ouroene, who failed to win in 124 outings in Australia between 1976 and 1983.

Nevertheless, Quixall Crossett, on the verge of an amazing century of defeats, has gained cult status and a legion of followers worldwide.

Assistant trainer, and devoted stable lad, Geoff Sanderson explained his appeal: "He's genuine, he enjoys what he's doing and he'll give you everything he's got."

It must be a surprise for 47-year-old Sanderson and owner Ted Caine to see the media circus that their star has attracted over the last few months.

Interest in the plucky horse from newspapers and television has been so great that Caine has allegedly banned all media from his farm because he cannot get any work done.

Quixall loves the thrill of jumping

However, if Caine is to blame anyone for the invasion of privacy, he need look no further than right-hand man Sanderson.

It is his extensive website devoted to the mild-mannered horse that has enabled a growing band of fans to keep tabs on the happenings at High Crossett Farm.

With regular news updates, photo galleries, poems and astologer's charts, there is plenty to keep any internet surfer happy.

But fans have still had to wait for over five months for news of race number 100.

Quixall's plans for the century a few weeks after his 99th race at Kelso at the beginning of February had to be put on hold because of the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

The wait seems to be finally over and the lovable loser is ready to strut his stuff at Southwell. Just don't expect any photo-finishes.