Paul Theobald found that out the hard way, when near-old decade veteran Dunderry was denied a win by a three-way photo finish at Tyers Park on Saturday. 

Incredibly, first to fourth were separated by just under one length. 

Dunderry, who was paying $7.50 to win, led from start to the final moment of the Bathurst RSL Club Benchmark 58 Handicap (1200 metres), finishing 0.12 lengths behind eventual winner Ain’t She A Dane ($6.50). 

Theobald admitted he thought Dunderry had won the race, before replays confirmed his nine-year-old gelding had actually finished third.

“The angle of the camera favours the outsider,” he said.

“I thought I had, by half a head but I’m a bit short.”

Regardless of the close finish, Theobald was pleased with the performance by his racing veteran.

“He just keeps giving. What can I say, he just speaks volumes,” he said.

“He’s a nine-year-old. Usually at seven or eight they retire, or sometimes six.

“I’ll find another little race for him. Maybe hear or Orange. I’ll keep him local, I won’t race him anywhere else.” 

Dunderry has now amassed 38 placings in 95 career starts. 

Winner Ain’t She A Dane narrow win was a close as it comes, as she won by 0.01 lengths ahead of race favourite New York Philly ($2.70). 

Naoko ($13) managed to finish just 0.55 lengths behind the winner.

“There would have been some tense moments,” Theobald said.