Bookies and punters neck and neck

BOOKMAKERS reported mixed fortunes after a closely-matched first-day jousting between the layers and punters.

Honours were shared, according to Coral, totesport had the bookmakers narrowly ahead, while Blue Square felt the punters had the better of the opening exchanges.

There were victories on both sides with favourites Wichita Lineman and Quevega justifying market support, while Punjabi’s 22-1 victory in the Champion Hurdle was the main one welcomed by bookmakers.