Did the gamblers come out on top at the Cheltenham Festival?
According to Boswell's remarks relayed to Gambling Insider, the bookies had a rough start. Specifically, Nicky Henderson's well-backed Constitution Hill victory got things off to a poor start. Edwardstone, who was favoured by many, went off at 5/2 to win the Arkle for Alan King.
On the other hand, things could have turned out far worse for BetVictor on the first day if Gaelic Warrior had triumphed for Willie Mullins in the Boodles Handicap; Brazil beat him to the post in a picture finish.
On the second day, the operators of the Cheltenham Festival had better luck than the bettors. After well-backed Shishkin failed to deliver at Prestbury Park, second-favorite Energumene won the feature race. This was a solid outcome.
Bookmakers had a good day overall due to further wins in the Coral Cup, such as Commander of Fleet winning at 50/1. Despite racing in difficult conditions, Tiger Roll almost pulled off a spectacular sixth win, only being defeated on the line by Delta Work. Many bettors made sentimental wagers on her.
On day three, some underdogs defeated heavy favourites, giving bookies a slight advantage over gamblers. The day's dramatic tone was established by Galopin Des Champs's last fence fall; he was the slight favourite going into the race, but Bob Olinger ended up winning.
The bookies got a significant boost when Dinoblue lost the Mares Hurdle, and they got even more when Chambard, a 40/1 outsider, won Venetia Williams' final race.
On the other hand, bookies took a step back on the last day when several heavily favoured horses finally started to show their true colours. All of the big races on day four were won by the favourites.
An example would be the return to Ireland of the Blue Ribbon Chase, which was won in spectacular fashion by A Plus Tard, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, last year's runner-up.
This pattern persisted with further favourites, such as Mullins' Vauban, who triumphed in the Triumph Hurdle. Even more impressive was the fact that Mullins' son, riding 13/8 favourite Billaway to victory in The Hunters, was one of four winners for the day.
