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Dave Smith, the judge who called a controversial dead-heat verdict at Kempton last week, described himself as "gutted" after his contract was terminated with immediate effect by the British Horseracing Authority.

The BHA announced on Monday that the result of the £200 Free Bets At Betdaq Maiden Stakes on June 26 would be amended after Smith initially called a dead-heat between even-money favourite Extra Noble and 16-1 shot Fire Fighting.

Smith was asked to reconsider his decision by the BHA in a process initiated following concerns expressed at the photo-finish of the race.

The result was then changed to award a clear victory to Extra Noble and the BHA announced it would stage an internal investigation into the circumstances which led to Smith's original decision.

Having concluded its inquiries, the BHA confirmed on Tuesday that Smith would no longer be employed as a judge.

A statement said: "Following an internal investigation regarding the announcement of the incorrect result in the £200 Free Bets At Betdaq Maiden Stakes at Kempton, the British Horseracing Authority has established that Standard Operating Procedures were not followed, and has today informed Dave Smith that it has terminated its contract of services with him.

"Dave Smith will no longer act as a judge at British racecourses, but BHA acknowledges his contribution and service over the last 13 years."

Smith feels he has been treated harshly following the incident.

He said: "Gutted is the only word really. I don't think I deserve what they are doing to me. There was only one incident they looked at and it's not ideal. I've done nothing wrong as far as I'm concerned."