Punters despair as the bookies take day one

BOOKMAKERS were firmly in the driving seat after an enthralling day one at the Cheltenham Festival.

The first five favourites were turned over starting with a shock defeat for Dunguib in the opening Spinal Research Novices’ Hurdle.

The Irish challenger had been seen as the banker of the entire four days for many punters and his defeat at 4-5 had the layers jumping for joy. A string of further reverses followed with Chief Dan George’s victory at 33-1 in the William Hill Trophy proving to be a skinner for most bookies.