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We’ve all heard the one about the horse that goes into a bar.

But this time it was drinkers who were left with the long faces when the classic gag’s scenario was played out for real in France.

Customers who were quietly enjoying their drinks in the the peaceful establishment at Chantilly, north of Paris, scattered when the young filly pushed the door open and began knocking over chairs and tables.

Security camera footage of the extraordinary drama shows the equine visitor, which is saddled up ready for a race, entering the PMU bar and bookmakers and heading for the betting counter.

Most onlookers, including astonished staff serving at the bar, can meanwhile be seen rushing out - avec les visages longs.

The horse’s trainer, Jean-Marie Beguigne, confirmed she had dumped her rider at the Chantilly Race Course stables, less than a mile away.

Mr Beguigne told Ouest France newspaper: “Between the track and the stables, her rider fell off. The filly escaped by going on to the road, and crossing a roundabout before entering this bar. It is all quite exceptional.”

Nobody was hurt, and even the horse “showed no trauma or anxiety”, said Mr Beguigne, who did not reveal the filly’s name.

The trainer said the horse “had a penchant for escape”, but considered it incredible that she made for a PMU bar.

PMU stands for Pari Mutuel Urbain, France’s state-controlled betting system. PMU bars all have betting counters, and screens that show races.

Stephane Jasmin, the owner of the Chantilly PMU bar, said: “She pushed the door open, and raced straight for the betting corner.

“Then the filly turned around, breaking a table and chairs. We’ve never seen anything like it.”