Punters steam in for Black Jack in World Hurdle

THE betting for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle took another twist yesterday when Black Jack Ketchum was backed into 7-4 clear favouritism with both Ladbrokes and Cashmans.

Jonjo O’Neill’s eight-year-old lost his unbeaten record in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, sparking lively debates up and down the country on whether he would bounce back.

Many thought his performance was too bad to be true, whereas others took the view it was the first time he had really been tested.