Punters well on top as bookmakers’ misery continues
The layers are well and truly on the ropes after a third consecutive day of fancied horses going in.
William Hill put the cost to industry at £30million on day three, with bookmakers an estimated £50m in arrears.
St Patrick’s Day belonged to the Irish with a total of six winners, including three more for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh - Black Hercules, Vautour and Limini
Even the only British-trained winner, Colin Tizzard’s Thistlecrack, gave the layers more heartache when romping home in the Ryanair World Hurdle.
“Punters have gone clear and they appear to have an unassailable lead at this year’s Cheltenham Festival,” said William Hill spokesman Jon Ivan-Duke.
“We hope to claw some back on Friday, but it would be a consolation goal.”
Ladbrokes described proceedings as “ghastly” on another bad day at the office.
“It’s hard to see a way back from here. It’s been ghastly,” said Ladbrokes’ spokesman David Williams.
“We were reeling after two bad days but a rotten third day has all but knocked us out. More Ruby Walsh winners and more short-priced favourites have combined to give bookies a hiding.
“We’re going to need a day from the bookmaking gods on the final day to turn it around from here. So far it’s been a Festival to forget for the bookies.”
Those feelings were echoed by Betfred spokesman Mark Pearson, who did not mince his words. He said: “We’ve done our conkers in.
“Seven double-carpet (33/1) winners on Gold Cup Day might help to get us back level.”
The situation was summed up by BetVictor’s spokesperson Jack Milner.
He said: “It’s undoubtedly 3-0 to punters as Causes Of Causes made it 6-1 to Ireland on St Patrick’s Day.”
