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Bookmakers saved from huge payout by Saxon Warrior defeat

The betting ring at Epsom: a winning Derby result for bookmakers
The betting ring at Epsom: a winning Derby result for bookmakersCredit: Edward Whitaker

The defeat of Investec Derby market leader Saxon Warrior spared bookmakers a multi-million pound payout.

Hot favourite for the Epsom Classic since he won the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 5, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt only finished fourth under Ryan Moore after being sent off at 4-5.

In contrast, the winner Masar, two places behind Saxon Warrior in the 2,000 Guineas, was easy to back and returned at 16-1, ensuring the bookmakers finished well in front a year after Wings Of Eagles struck at 40-1.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: "Punters have been left gobsmacked by the result, with so much confidence surrounding Saxon Warrior. A win for Masar has saved the industry a multi-million pound payout."

There was so much confidence behind Saxon Warrior that only two other horses, Roaring Lion (6-1) and Young Rascal (17-2), started at a single-figure price.

Sky Bet spokesman Michael Shinners said: "Masar proved relatively friendless in the market and was a good result. Saxon Warrior was backed to the exclusion of every other horse and we ended up with a very one-sided book."

Joy for Buick: William Buick lets out a big roar as he wins the Investec Derby on Masar
Joy for Buick: William Buick lets out a big roar as he wins the Investec Derby on MasarCredit: Getty Images

Coral's David Stevens said: "With the favourite finishing out of the places, and the winner a largely ignored 16-1 shot despite his Craven win and Guineas third, this has been another decent result for the layers in the biggest race of the Flat season."

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: "Getting Saxon Warrior beat was a massive fillip, and even the late each-way money for Roaring Lion can’t take the shine off what is another fabulous result in the Derby."

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield added: “Any horse winning bar Saxon Warrior, and possibly Roaring Lion and Young Rascal who also attracted some support, would have been good for the layers, but Masar was one of the least popular combatants in the book and it was an awesome result for the bookies.”

The Scoop6 bonus fund rolled over after Tanasoq sprinted to victory in the Investec Dash, dashing the hopes of last week's winning punter who had banked on Duke Of Firenze adding him another £626,187 to his winnings of £213,777.


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Published on 2 June 2018inReports

Last updated 19:09, 2 June 2018

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