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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Melissa Jones

Bookies floored by "painful" Cheltenham Gold Cup day results as big favourites win

Bookmakers were floored by "painful" Cheltenham Gold Cup day results as four of the big favourites won.

Punters celebrated a stretch of well-backed winners – including the big race hero A Plus Tard. Sent off the 3-1 market leader, the tough chaser helped earn Rachael Blackmore a place in the history books.

As he raced 15 lengths clear, the 32-year-old became the first female jockey to win the Festival feature. Vauban (13-8f), State Man (11-4f) and Billaway (13-8f) also headed the betting for their respective races – and they were part of an amazing five-timer for Willie Mullins.

"It’s all gone the punters' way," said William Hill's Tony Kenny. "When you have four big-name favourites winning on Gold Cup day and a jolly winning the big race itself, it’s going to be painful.

Racegoers by betting stalls at the Cheltenham Festival (PA)

"Vauban, A Plus Tard, State Man and Elimay were also horses that had been wrapped up in huge-priced multiples, some of which have settled at monster odds and left a number of customers celebrating six-figure wins."

Willie Mullins set a new record with ten wins for the week overall.

Betfred spokesman Matt Hulmes said: "Willie Mullins has caused chaos on the trading floor today and ensured we have done our conkers. It was neck and neck in the bookies v punters battle going into Gold Cup day but Willie's winners have ensured a winning festival for the backers.

"Couple that with the punters' darling Rachael Blackmore striking gold on A Plus Tard and it was already a nightmare before Billaway and Elimay."

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes added: "Rachael Blackmore has done it again. Not only has she made Gold Cup history but she has also made it a day to remember for delighted punters, and a day to forget for the bookies.

A Plus Tard ridden by Rachael Blackmore after winning the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase during day four of the Cheltenham Festival (Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

"Her mount A Plus Tard was by far the best-backed horse in the Gold Cup, having been smashed into favouritism early this morning. After a tricky three days for punters they certainly got revenge today and have ended the week on a high."

Two of the seven races were won by horses at longer prices.

The Nice Guy (18-1) took the Albert Bartlett, while Banbridge (12-1) prevented further success for backers of the fancied horses.

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