Big gamble on two horses for owner with a history goes awry

A big gamble on two horses racing for an owner with a history of landing successful punts went awry on Monday after the heavily backed pair could only manage second-placed finishes.

Gandhi Maker and Newcastle runner Prince Hector had shortened up significantly in the betting for owner Adam McCormack, who landed a coup when Little Rory Mac won at Market Rasen in December 2019.

The first leg of the double looked on course to go in as Gandhi Maker, who was cut to evens (from 6-1), shot clear of his rivals in the home straight. However, a mistake at the third-last checked his momentum and he was collared on the run-in by the Nicky Richards-trained Tfou.

The Rebecca Menzies-trained Prince Hector had been backed into 11-8 (from 18-1) but began to drift after Gandhi Maker's defeat and finished second at odds of 11-4 in the mile handicap at Newcastle behind Going Underground.

McCormack, who runs some of his horses under the name of his business the Vacuum Pouch Company, had two horses entered in the 2.40 at Ayr, but First Illusion was declared a non-runner at midday due to a self-certificate having not eaten up. First Illusion's jockey Sam Coltherd then replaced Jamie Hamilton on Stuart Coltherd-trained stablemate Gandhi Maker.

After the race, Stuart Coltherd was interviewed by the stewards at the request of the BHA's integrity department regarding his expectations for the race, the circumstances around First Illusion being declared a non-runner and the betting support for Gandhi Maker.

Speaking before the race, McCormack told the Racing Post: "I don't know who has got the big prices, but I can 100 per cent tell you I didn't get anything like those.

"I've had a small dabble on the double, but the problem is when you fancy a couple of horses it's very difficult because people know you."

McCormack would not confirm what he would have stood to win from the double, other than saying his guess it would be "six figures".

"A few of the lads have got me small doubles on and the prices have just been going," he said. "I don't have one betting account bar the Betfair Exchange, so I have to accept what I can get. Hopefully they go and win, as I paid a few quid for Gandhi Maker and I'd like to see him start progressing."

McCormack denied the gamble had been orchestrated, saying: "It's by complete fluke they're running on the same day. I have absolutely nothing to do with any race planning, and I leave that to the trainer."

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