Patrons at Thurles yesterday could not believe their luck when all losing Tote bets were refunded on the Littleton Handicap Hurdle following the shock victory of 25/1 shot Mr Ventura.
For the first time since the introduction of the modern computerised system, not one person had backed the winner on the machines, meaning that under current rules anybody placing an unsuccessful 'win' wager was entitled to their money back.
The unusual situation at least provided some punters with temporary respite on a programme dominated by outsiders.
Prince Of Pleasure set the tone for the afternoon when scoring at odds of 20/1 in the opening Seskin Beginners' Chase to give young David Broad his first victory as a trainer.
Grange Leader landed the Loughmore Beginners' Chase for the uncle/nephew team of Sean and Tom Treacy, while Torduff Boy battled through appalling conditions to take the Thurles Handicap Chase under top-weight.
Indeed, it was not until the penultimate event, the Holycross EBF Hurdle, that a favourite finally obliged in the shape of Noel Meade's Woodenbridge Natif.
