Grand National horse race in England turned into a fiasco and was declared void.

Top Turf Enterprises and Sea Horses lost out on what is traditionally one of their biggest pay days of the year, while Government kissed goodbye to $4,000 in taxes.

But, most of all, punters were furious at their loss of action.

"Our customers were disappointed because they didn't get a run for their money,'' said Mr. David Pereira, manager of Top Turf.

"They had been getting excited about this race all week but the thrill of the action was taken from them at the last minute.'' Top Turf's only outlet took $8,500 in bets on the race, while Sea Horses, which has three betting shops in Hamilton, received bets totalling about $11,000.

This was a drop in the ocean, though, compared with the $100 million that was wagered in Britain.

All bets, including tax, had to be paid back after the race was declared void.

Seven of the 39 would-be starters finished the gruelling 4.5 mile race after failing to see flags that signalled a false start.

Nine horses were left at the start line and the rest pulled up around the course, prompting officials to say they had no alternative but to rule the race had never happened.

Mrs. June Bezant, of Sea Horses, said: "This is always a big race for us.

Lots of people who don't normally gamble will always have a flutter on the Grand National.

"We had a lot of people in listening to the commentary and they were really disappointed at the way things turned out. Everyone stood around in amazement.'' One regular punter said it was the first time in several years of betting on the National that he had actually got any money back from the bookmaker.

"I've never backed a National winner so this year I decided to bet on eight horses,'' he said. "I put on seven $5 bets and $50 to win on Captain Dibble.

"Including the 20 percent tax, I placed $102 on the race. I've never got any money back on the National before. I usually back jockey Peter Scudamore but this was his 13th attempt and he's still not won.

"It's very disappointing that one of the biggest races of the year should end like this.''