Opening salvos go the way of bookmakers

BOOKMAKERS left Ascot in good shape after getting the better of the opening salvo with the punters on the first day of Royal Ascot yesterday.

Despite Henrythenavigator going in at 4-7 in the St James’s Palace Stakes, starting prices of 5-1, 22-1, 8-1, 20-1 and a 100-1 shocker in the last meant the satchels were overflowing in Berkshire.

With the best-backed horse of the day, Fleeting Spirit, only third behind Spanish sprinting sensation Equiano in the King’s Stand Stakes, the bookies head into day two full of confidence.