Bookies Still On Top

Despite Denman obliging as a well-backed 6-5 favourite in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, many bookmakers still reported a profitable afternoon on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.

Tuesday had been like shelling peas for most firms as big-priced shocks like Joes Edge and Sublimity stripped punters of their hard-earned cash.

Aran Concerto disappointing in the opener and Well Chief falling in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase were greeted with delight by the layers, although favourite Cloudy Lane did take the Kim Muir.

Tipperary All Star also had his supporters in the bumper but most money came for the beaten Mad Fish.

David Stevens, spokesman for Coral, said: 'Another winning day for the layers. The defeat of Aran Concerto meant we started the day in the best possible way and while Denman's victory was costly, Well Chief's defeat meant normal business was resumed.

'The last three winners had their supporters but not enough to take the gloss off the day and we're two-up with two to play.'

William Hill's Ben Clarke echoed those sentiments, adding: 'Denman was the banker of the meeting for most punters but Massini's Maguire provided the bookies with a fantastic opening race for the second day running.

'Even though punters struck back with Cloudy Lane, they are on the ropes in need of oxygen and some more favourable results.'

However, David Williams from Ladbrokes had less positive news for his firm.

'It was the punters' revenge for us,' he rued.

'You would have thought the fact we got two of the first three hotpots beaten was good news but Denman was such a bad result that punters clawed some money back.'

Tote on-course turnover was up again to £2,720,364 compared with £2,423,906 on the day last year, an increase of 12.2 per cent.

The jackpot was not won, with £218,051 rolling over.

(C) PA Sport