Bookmakers shade day one skirmishes
Although Quevega, the banker of the week for many punters, galloped into racing history by winning the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle for a record sixth successive year at odds of 8-11, results generally went the way of the layers.
The Quevega team of Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins also took the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with the well-backed 7-2 joint-favourite Vautour.
However, the narrow defeat of Champagne Fever by 33-1 outsider Western Warhorse in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy followed by Hurricane Flyer’s disappointing effort when fourth in the Stan James Champion Hurdle behind 9-1 shot Jezki, were blows for punters.
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “’Ruby Tuesday’ got off to the best possible start for punters with Vautour and then Quevega did what Quevega always does which didn’t help.
“If they ask us to contribute to the sculpting of a statue for her we’ll politely decline. She’s cost us packets for as long as we can remember.
“When Champagne Fever was beaten in a photo finish the only cheers were from the bookies on the rails. Western Warhorse was an absolute skinner.
“Jezki didn’t read the romantic script in the big one and Hurricane Fly fans were thwarted. The Irish smashed into him but it wasn’t to be and Jezki rode to our rescue.
“All in all we can’t complain too much and although we’ve got an awful long way to go we’re heading into day two without too many bruises.”
William Hill reported record levels of business as they too got the better of the argument after the opening skirmish.
Spokeswoman Kate Miller said: “Turnover levels for William Hill were outstanding today, and results made us very happy bookmakers indeed.
“It’s definitely a marathon, rather than a sprint, but we head into the tricky second day with a generous cushion beneath us.”
Coral, however, were hit hard by the victory of Quevega as they offered a massively enhanced price of 4-1 for new mobile and online customers from Thursday right up to the off.
“Quevega has saved the day for punters after the defeat of Champagne Fever and Hurricane Fly in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle proved costly for most,” said Coral’s Nicola McGeady.
“We enhanced Quevega to 4-1 last Thursday and held that offer until the off today, which has ultimately proved to be a crazy decision, costing us £1million.”
Paddy Power’s decision to give punters their money back if their horse finished second, third or fourth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle cost that firm a reported £4.5million.
Paddy Power said: “Our Supreme offer resulted in the greatest ante-post turnover on a race we’ve ever seen. Irving may not have been the aeroplane that many thought, but Vautour was an equine Rolls Royce.”
