PUNTERS.. 1 BOOKIES.. 0
From Back Page afternoon. Coo Star Sivola, guided to victory by jockey Lizzie Kelly, was another favourite with Benie Des Dieux, Rathvinden and Mister Whitaker all well-backed.
But the bookies managed to avoid the pain of a fourtimer thanks to the defeat of Getabird in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, won by Summerville Boy, and the surprise demise of Apple’s Jade in the Mares’ Hurdle.
Footpad was the first big result for the punters, with Ladbrokes reporting Willie Mullins’ 5-6 favourite Arkle Chase winner as the day’s best-backed horse.
The firm’s Nicola McGeady said: “Day one has gone in favour of the punters just about.
“It was swings and roundabouts through the afternoon but victories for Footpad, Coo Star Sivola and Buveur D’Air in the Champion Hurdle gave 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 four-million pound swing on Gordon Elliott’s star, so cheers from the trading floor raised the roof when she was beaten.”
Coral also heaved a sigh of relief and spokesman David Stevens said: “It kicked off with a bookiefriendly result, with Getabird well beaten.
“But three successive winning favourites meant we were facing a multimillion pound hammering had Apple’s Jade won her second Mares’ Hurdle.
“But for once it was the combination of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh who came to our rescue with Benie Des Dieux.
“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 spokesman Rupert Adams agreed and said: “We’ve gone from losing over a million to just shading the opening day.
“It is not often a Ruby Walsh winner saves us a seven-figure payout.”
Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield reckoned the first day was “pretty much a score draw”.
But for Betfred it was the last result that put punters’ noses in front.
Spokesman Matt Hulmes said: “Mister Whitaker put the punters slightly ahead on day one but it could have been much worse. We’re not complaining and it’s game on for day two.”