THE North's biggest race meeting of the year was plunged into controversy yesterday when the "wrong" horse was named as a winner.

Out-of-pocket punters besieged the weighing room at York after the judge apparently got muddled up over a photo-finish.

The race in question was the £25,000 Convivial Maiden Stakes but the atmosphere afterwards was far from convivial as angry scenes broke out.

Court Masterpiece was named as the 5-2 winner following a thrilling battle to the line with the favourite Arctic Burst.

But when the photo-finish print was posted outside the weighing room, punters who had backed the 7-4 hot favourite, decided the judge had got it wrong.

Arctic Burst's trainer Barry Hills icily agreed and is now considering an appeal to the Jockey Club.

The row erupted on the day massive crowds traditionally gather on the Knavesmire for the Tote Ebor meeting, known as "The Ascot of the North".

There was only a "short-head" between the two horses but, after studying a print, judge Alistair Stewart announced Court Masterpiece as the winner.

However, Mr Hills was a picture of unhappiness as he declared that the judge had got the two horses mixed up in a slightly confusing image.

"I think he's mistaken," he said. "I don't agree with the result. I don't think he's got the right horse in front."

Hills said the judge had offered to show him the technical shots at 12.15pm today and he would be discussing a possible appeal with Arctic Burst's multi-millionaire owner Robert Sangster.

Jockey Club press officer John Maxse was on hand to calm angry punters, who were upset when they caught sight of the controversial photo-finish print.