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$21m barrier bungle in Hong Kong

A barrier bungle in Hong Kong has forced (AUD) $21 million dollars to be refunded.

A sprint at Happy Valley was declared 'void' after the barriers opened sporadically, in scenes that will scare Melbourne Cup organisers.

While four gates opened at the same time, the rest opened in different stages, with barrier one and nine the last to release.

The drama unfolds. Pic: HKJC Racing
The drama unfolds. Pic: HKJC Racing

The South China Morning Post reported that a rake was to blame after it became caught up in the barriers during the commencement of the race.

With more the $70 million dollars invested across three major tote pools on last year's Melbourne Cup, a similar bungle could spell disaster for the race that stops a nation.