Britain's
bookmakers were left reeling yesterday after Estimate became the first royal
winner of the Gold Cup, giving The Queen her first Group 1 victory in Europe
since Dunfermline captured the 1977 St Leger.
The
four-year-old was the subject of a colossal gamble and had been freely
available at 7/1 on the morning of the race but a swell of public support
throughout the day forced her odds down to 7/2 by the time the field prepared
to tackle the gruelling two-and-a-half mile trip.
Ladbrokes
reported that they were happy to celebrate the success despite being 'hammered
for a fortune' by the victory of Her Majesty's horse in the feature race of
Ladies' Day.
The
firm's David Williams reckons that Estimate's victory cost the bookmaking
industry millions but hopes it will trigger a wave of racing goodwill that will
help pay for the losses.
"Racing
has a priceless ability to throw up some dream results and we're happy to join
in the celebrations," said Williams.
"Sure,
we lost a packet on the race but the day will go down in history and more than
pay for itself in upbeat coverage over the days, weeks and months to come.
"Sometimes
we need to look beyond the balance sheet and think about the marketing
potential. Estimate's win could be the best news for racing - and betting - in
a very long time."
Betfred
spokesman Andrew Griffiths echoed these sentiments: "A victory for Her
Majesty in the Gold Cup is the result we were dreading. Estimate has taken us
to the cleaners but you won't hear us moaning about one of the most popular
winners in the history of Royal Ascot."
William
Hill's Kate Miller opined: ''This was a true patriotic punt on the Queen's
runner Estimate and her victory has handed us a stinging £1.5million payout.
Her Majesty is flying the flag for British bettors today!''
Rory
Jiwani of StanJames.com added: "We knew there'd be plenty of money for
Estimate and we were hoping either Simenon or Top Trip might foil Her Majesty's
horse but she was very brave in getting her head in front. It's a great result
for punters and a terrible one for the bookies."
Remote's
victory at 9/4 in the Tercentenary Stakes was a poor result for Paddy Power who
reckons the bookies are on the back foot following the first three days of the
Royal meeting.
"Punters
are now well ahead after two seriously well backed horses in Estimate and
Remote did the business. It will be an uphill stuggle to draw level now,"
said the affable Irish layer.
Coral has
cut the odds on Ryan Moore being knighted in the New Year's Honours after his
victory on Estimate. Coral are now quoting 100/1 (from 1000/1) that the
three-time champion jockey is knighted. Meanwhile, the Stratford-based firm is
quoting 5/1 that Estimate wins next year's Gold Cup.
"Estimate
raised the roof at Royal Ascot this afternoon, giving the Queen her first
victory in the Gold Cup and now some punters believe that the Queen will place
her favourite sword on Ryan Moore's shoulders at Buckingham Palace for his
achievements", said Coral's Nicola McGeady.
MARKET
MOVERS
First race 2.30pm: The
Albany Stakes
Betfred: No 16. Sandiva 5/2 from
11/4. Paddy Power: No 16. Sandiva 5/2 from 11/4. Sky Bet: No 16.
Sandiva 5/2 from 11/4.
Second race 3.05pm: The
King Edward VII Stakes
The Racing Post's
Pricewise highlights No.7 Mutashaded
Betfred: No 6. Hillstar 9/1 from
10/1, No 8. Tha'ir 14/1 from 16/1. Paddy Power: No 7. Mutashaded 13/2
from 10/1. Sky Bet: No 2. Contributer 12/1 from 14/1, No 7. Mutashaded
7/1 from 81.
Third race 3.45pm: The
Coronation Stakes
The Racing Post's
Pricewise highlights No. 14 Siyenica
Betfred: No 2. Big Break 6/1 from
13/2, No 14. Siyenica 10/1 from 12/1. Paddy Power: No 3. Just The Judge
4/1 from 7/2 (drifting), No 2. Big Break 6/1 from 7/1, No 14. Siyenica 10/1
from 12/1.Sky Bet: No 17. Viztoria 10/1 from 12/1.
Fourth race 4.25pm: The
Wolferton Handicap
The Racing Post's
Pricewise highlights No. 9 Fattsota
Betfred: No 12. Sheikhzayedroad
15/2 from 8/1, No 9. Fattsota 12/1 from 14/1. Paddy Power: No 6.
Albasharah 5/1 from 6/1, No 9. Fattsota 12/1 from 16/1.
Sixth race 5.35pm: The
Buckingham Palace Handicap
The Racing Post's
Pricewise highlights No. 23 Campanology & No. 28 Dream Tune
No comments:
Post a Comment