It seems that the horses in this race were unaware that they weren't only competing against each other, but a mischievous kangaroo who decided to give them a run for their money.
The kangaroo hopped onto the track during final race of the day at Cessnock, in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, on Tuesday and proceeded to bounce down along the inside rail, taking great leaps in front of its competition.
Then, just as suddenly as it joined in, the marsupial spotted an opening and jumped back out.
Speaking after the race, champion jockey Robert Thompson joked that the roo's appearance had all been part of a "game plan" to take out the competition.
"Fortunately, we got away with it with no one injured," he told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
"Of course, it could have been serious."
There's no word yet on whether the kangaroo is planning on making an appearance at the Spring Carnival.
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