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Miserable mare

SAN JUAN: A Puerto Rican horse that cannot win a race, at least now has a claim to fame.

Dona Chepa, a nine-year-old brown mare, finished last in a six-horse field at Camarero Racetrack in Puerto Rico on Wednesday, a 125th consecutive loss that is believed to be the longest in history.

A track spokesman said the loss surpasses an equine losing record of 0-124 set by Australian horse Ouroene, which raced from 1976 to 1983.

There is no world governing body that tracks lack of success for race horses, but Dona Chepa’s penchant for losing at least beats other notable marks for futility, including Ouroene, Gloria Springs (106, Japan), Thrust (105, North America) and Quixall Crossett (103, Britain).

Dona Chepa, which comes from a distinguished line of champion racers, began its woeful ways on Valentine’s Day in 2001. The closest it came to victory was in May 2003, when it finished second.

The horse has won $12,971 despite results that include 22 fifth places and 90 other finishes outside the established slots. — AP

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