William Hill make it a ‘score-draw’ on the opening day of the Festival after punters struck back following a stellar opening race double for layers.
Cue Card – who racked up liabilities in excess of £1Million for William Hill failed to shine in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – instead capitulating to eventual winner Al Ferof and the Henderson duo of Sprinter Sacre and Spirit Son.
It looked a dream start for the firms after Captain Chris fired another into the net with his 6-1 Arkle win, but the dream was short-lived as Bensalem obliged for favourite backers in the Spinal Research Handicap, and then Hurricane Fly flew the flag for the Emerald Isle again with his Champion Hurdle win.
Quevega flew the flag for punters with a third consecutive win in the Mares’ Hurdle, but the bookies were granted salvation in the last with the defeat of Definity – whose pilot Ruby Walsh was on for an amazing four-timer.
Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill, told betrescue.com: ‘’It was an epic start, but the dream was short lived! Captain Chris and Al Ferof fought the Bookies’ corner, but Hurricane Fly, Bensalem and Quevega landed a couple stinging blows to the chin. We were saved in the last round with Definity’s defeat as a Ruby four-timer would have landed a killer blow.’’
