Bookmakers down punters on final day of Cheltenham Festival battle

There was all to play for in the annual punters v bookmakers match going into the fourth quarter of what had been a see-saw battle but the layers finished strongest to claim a narrow win.

Barry Orr of Betfair said: "Getting both Apple's Shakira and Might Bite beat today was a massive bonus and although the Gold Cup was a bad result it’s still a good winning day.

"In terms of the four days, liquidity was strong on the exchange, sportsbook turnover was good and, with results marginally in our favour, it was by and large a successful festival for us."

Farclas beating Apple's Shakira was a defining momentCredit: Edward Whitaker

Paddy Power were celebrating, with Paul Binfield reporting: "Native River was a small loser but the punters' boat had already capsized on the last day after the first three days had been relatively even with everything to play for going into today."

Ladbrokes took a heavier hit with the Gold Cup hero Native River –although a victory for runner-up Might Bite would have been worse.

They were not complaining, though, with big-priced winners punctuating the final afternoon and the bookmakers edged ahead in the end.

The firm's Nicola McGeady said: “Punters across the country are celebrating this year’s Gold Cup hero Native River. The Colin Tizzard-trained superstar was the most popular ante-post selection.

Native River: wasn't a great result for the bookmakers, but it would have been worse had Might Bite have wonCredit: Mark Cranham

“It was a much-needed result for punters, who got off to a terrible start today with the first three favourites beaten.”

Star Sports knocked the big punters for six on the final day with Might Bite's defeat the tastiest result, the Brighton firm having laid £100,000-£25,000 on course and two £40,000-£10,000 in the office.

A £55,000-£10,000 laid on Our Duke put the icing on the cake after the first big wager had been a £24,000-£20,000 struck on Apple's Shakira in the Triumph.

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