Curley gamble hits bookies

BRITAIN’S bookmakers were counting the cost last night after a huge gamble on four horses.

Three of the runners – Agapanthus, Savaronola and Somersturm – were trained by Barney Curley, the famed Northern Ireland professional gambler and entrepreneur, while Jeu De Roseau was having his first run for Chris Grant, having previously been trained by Andrew Stringer.

Agapanthus scored at Brighton and Savaronola obliged at Wolverhampton, but Somersturm failed at the latter venue. Jeu De Roseau – his first run for 742 days – just got up at Towcester, going off at 6-4 yesterday evening having been available at 25-1 that morning.