Race Caller Darren McCauley Devastated After Delivering ‘Absolute Shocker’ in Group 1 Railway Stakes

Darren McCauley has had to issue an apology after mistakenly announcing the wrong winner of the Group 1 Railway Stakes at Ascot on Saturday night.

The veteran caller from Perth, well-respected in the industry, was delivering a stellar performance throughout the races until the day’s marquee event.

In the most lucrative race of the carnival, boasting a prize pool of $1.5 million, the four-year-old stallion Port Lockroy emerged victorious for the Annabel Neasham stable.

Jockey Clint Johnston-Porter celebrated as Port Lockroy crossed the line first, but it was a different scene in the commentary box.

As the race reached its climax, McCauley mistakenly called the name of Socks Nation, following through to the finish line despite the different coloured silks worn by the horses.

Sky Racing’s broadcast even briefly displayed Socks Nation as the race winner before quickly correcting it to Port Lockroy within moments.

As news of the blunder spread on social media, many viewers expressed sympathy for McCauley regarding the unfortunate miscall.

Following the race, McCauley sincerely apologised on air upon realising his mix-up.

This win marked the first Group 1 success for jockey Johnston-Porter.

Port Lockroy was paying out at $9.50 with bookmakers, while Comfort Me took second place and Super Smink rounded out the top three in the 1600m race.