Bookmakers are fearing a final day plunge on Tony McCoy’s last Cheltenham Festival rides after the retiring champion got off the mark on day three of the meeting.

Bookmakers finally clawed back some of the losses from what had a been a punter-friendly Royal Ascot as the six races on day four of the showpiece meeting failed to produce a single winning favourite.

Bookmakers were left reeling after day one of Royal Ascot as brilliant milers Toronado (pictured) and Kingman led the way for punters.

Sire De Grugy’s popular triumph in the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase helped punters take the honours on day two of the four-day Cheltenham Festival.

CRIQUETTE Head-Maarek has admitted to having stamina doubts ahead of Special Duty’s run in Sunday’s StanJames.com 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.