Upsets in the Champion Hurdle and Mares Hurdle leave bookies delighted.
After a dramatic Tuesday at Cheltenham, it’s the bookies who are celebrating after Benie Des Dieux fell at the last in the Mares Hurdle, dashing the hopes of punters who made him the best-backed horse of the day.
Espoir D’allen sprang a 16/1 surprise in the Champion Hurdle to compound things, with the market-leading trio of Buveur D’Air, Laurina and Apples Jade all finishing outside the top three of the feature race.
76% of total bets were on those three, but they couldn’t get near the winner, who capped a remarkable 20,000 tricast with Melon (20/1) coming second and Silver Streak (80/1) third.
The day started promisingly with market movers Beware the Bear (16/1 into 10/1) and Klassical Dream (8/1 into 6/1) obliging in two of the first three races.
But it quickly turned into a nightmare as Ruby Walsh fell at the last on Benie Des Dieux, breaking the hearts of the 45% of punters who backed the odds-on favourite.
With only ONE favourite (A Plus Tard) winning on the opening day, it leaves punters with an uphill task heading into Ladies Day.
Oddschecker spokesman George Elek: “'It certainly has not been a day for favourite-backers as remarkably the big three in the Champion Hurdle market didn't even manage a place.
'Bookies breathed another huge sigh of relief immediately after as another Ruby Walsh fall at the last - reminiscent of Annie Power in 2015 - saw Benie Des Dieux beaten at odds on.
'Looking at today, if the bad weather continues it might just pay to take a punt on the value outsiders.'
