Punters’ revenge was ‘vicious’
Kauto Star’s victory alone is estimated to have cost the layers about £€7m (€10.2m), but the bookies had lucky escape from what was already a nightmare day because if Whyso Mayo had won the Foxhunters Chase, they would have been on the end of an unmerciful mauling.
The Cork horse started at 2/1 favourite for the ‘amateur Gold Cup’ and was only beaten half-a-length by the JP McManus owned Drombeag. Had he won for the second year in a row, then the gloss would have been firmly removed from their week.
For trainer Raymond Hurley and his team at Shannonvale outside Clonakilty, the result was heartbreaking, but the bookies were relieved indeed.
According to Donal McCarthy of Ladbrokes, the punters revenge was “vicious” even as it was.
“The punters have fought back and got a vicious revenge. Once the smoke clears we will know who has won the war but for now Kauto Star is definitely off our Christmas car list.”
Paddy Power estimated they had lost nearly €1.5m alone on Kauto Star, with about €800,000 being paid out directly and some £600,000 given back to people who had backed Exotic Dancer thanks to the decision to refund bets to people who’s horse finished second to Kauto Star.
“That was not a good result and we can only thank God that Whyso Mayo was beaten into second. The damage could have been a lot worse.”
Whatever about the broader picture, Irish punters will have undoubtedly have left a lot of their hard-earned behind them here.
With only five winners at the meeting – Ebaziyan, Cork All Star, Heads Onthe Ground, Sublimity and Pedrobob – the Irish haul was only half that of the pervious year and the amount they took from the bookies’ satchels will reflect that fact.
The failure of the likes of Hardy Eustace, Brave Inca, Aran Concerto, Whyso Mayo and Louanos cost the Irish dearly.
In 2008 they may have hope in their hearts, but they will also have a spot of revenge in mind.
