Punters saw enough of Killultagh Vic despite a costly fall at the last.
Edwulf captured the hearts of UK’s racing fans by completing an unexpected victory in the feature race at Leopardstown on Sunday afternoon, but it’s another horse which caught the eye of punters.
We didn't think he'd make it back to a racecourse after last year's Cheltenham experience - Edwulf is now an Irish Gold Cup winner! @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/1fJc1ReF2P
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 4, 2018
Willie Mullins-trained Killultagh Vic looked set to take the spoils after going off 5/1 second-favourite, but fell at the last leaving the eventual winner and Outlander to battle it out.
Killultagh Vic’s impressive return to the track in December meant he started second-favourite over in Ireland at the weekend.
Despite being backed for Irish success, Mullins’ horse was still 25/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup before Sunday’s feature race.
However, since his fall at the last, punters have jumped on the opportunity to back Killultagh Vic, and a sharp increase in bets has forced him into as short as 8/1, which sits him joint third favourite, behind Might Bite and Sizing John.
One firm is remaining firm on the heavily fancied Mullins charge, and is still offering 14/1 for Cheltenham glory.
Despite falling at the last, punters are backing Willie Mullins to taste Cheltenham Gold Cup success for the first time.
Since Edwulf’s remarkable victory, a massive 31% of bets have been placed on Killultagh Vic, and just 19% the Irish Gold Cup winner.
The JP McManus-owned Edwulf has seen his odds cut from 100/1 to 25/1 since his unlikely win over in Ireland.
Oddschecker spokesman, George Elek: 'Killultagh Vic's performance at Leopardstown was mightily impressive despite falling at the last, and punters have not been dissuaded by the late mistake.
Willie Mullins is absolutely desperate to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and the 9-year old looks set to be one of his arrows come March 16th.'
