An off-course plunge on a poorly performed horse has been thwarted by British officials.

Bert Trick was due to run at Wolverhampton on Thursday evening but was taken out after stewards were alerted he had been backed from 33-1 to 5-1.

They gave Bert Trick's trainer Frank Sheridan the opportunity to withdraw him 40 minutes before the race after telling him the matter would be investigated by the British Horseracing Authority.

The gelding, who was due to have his first start for Sheridan, had three starts in Ireland for another trainer, finishing second last twice and last on the other occasion.

He has not raced since August 2011.