Apple’s Jade reverse saves bookmakers

PUNTERS had the edge over the old enemy, the bookmaker, on a roller-coaster opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

The layers managed to avoid the pain of an opening day fourtimer thanks to the defeat of Getabird in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, won by Summerville Boy, and had the bonus of the surprise demise of Apple’s Jade in the Mares’ Hurdle.

However, two bankers - Footpad in the Arkle Trophy and Buveur D’Air in the Champion Hurdle - helped backers win the early skirmishes.

Coo Star Sivola was another winning favourite in the Ultima Handicap Chase, while all the other winners - Benie Des Dieux, Rathvinden and Mister Whitaker - were well-backed.

Footpad was the first big result to go in favour of the punters, with Ladbrokes reporting the 5-6 favourite was the best-backed horse of the day.

The firm’s Nicola McGeady,said: “Day one has gone in favour of the punters, but just about. It was swings and roundabouts throughout the afternoon, but victories for Footpad, Coo Star Sivola and Buveur D’Air has given punters the lead.

“Had Apple’s Jade won, we would have been looking at one of the worst opening days in Festival history. There was a fourmillion pound swing on Gordon Elliott’s star, so the cheers from the trading floor raised the roof when she was beaten.”

Coral also heaved a sigh of relief when Apple’s Jade was turned over.

“This year’s Festival kicked off with a bookie-friendly result in the Supreme, with Getabird well beaten, but three successive winning favourites meant we were facing a multi-million pound hammering if Apple’s Jade won her second Mares’ Hurdle,” said David Stevens.

“However, for once it was the combination of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh who came to our rescue with Benie Des Dieux, and although Rathvinden was a popular winner of the four-miler, we’ve no complaints about finishing a close second to the punters on a day that could have been so much more costly.”

William Hill, too, were grateful to Walsh for that result as it just turned the tide in their favour.

“We have gone from losing well over a million to just shading the opening day,” said spokesman Rupert Adams.

“It is not often that a Ruby Walsh winner saves us a sevenfigure payout.”

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “Three favourites, including odds-on Footpad and Buveur D’Air, winning wasn’t ideal, especially as we were money back all losers if the SP favourite won in all races.