Ladbrokes settle stable lad's six-figure bet after discussions with IHRB

Ladbrokes will settle all outstanding bets on the Declan Queally-trained pair Diamond Nora and Rocky's Diamond from their respective races on April 19, 2024, meaning stable lad Dylan Phelan's €30 each-way double will be paid out.

Stable lad Phelan, who works for Declan Queally at his Waterford stable, placed the bet at a Ladbrokes shop in Limerick on the morning of the races at prices of 80-1 and 125-1 for a life-changing payout of €319,440 (£272,694.75), although Ladbrokes' maximum payout limit for a wager placed over the counter in a betting shop for the relevant races is €100,000. 

While both horses won Ladbrokes declined to settle the bet on the basis that the races were under investigation by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) after the raceday stewards at Limerick and Ballinrobe inquired as to the apparent improvement in form and referred the matter on to an IHRB referrals committee.

The matter has been highly publicised in recent days and Ladbrokes told the Racing Post on Tuesday the decision to withhold payment was consistent with their terms and conditions.

However, after further talks with the IHRB, they have elected to settle all bets relating to the two horses, although the investigation remains ongoing.

A statement from the bookmaker read: "We have now discussed this matter with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board [IHRB] in order to seek a resolution as quickly as possible. Although the IHRB is unable to provide details of the investigation, or its likely duration, we are satisfied that it is appropriate to proceed with payment of the relevant bets in accordance with our terms and conditions.”

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