A tale of expensive odds-on losers - but at least the memory is a source of comfort now in these trying times

Bad betting tales. It's amazing how many a person can accumulate. I've shared a few of mine in these pages, moments when sporting speculation descended into slapstick, and another one came to mind this week.
It was a dreich afternoon at Newbury in early 2001, the tail end of winter, then known as Tote Gold Trophy day. I fancied a couple at juicy prices in the big race, of course, because it was a 20-runner handicap hurdle; you only had to look at it for five minutes before you started to see possibilities among the less fashionable runners.
But the first three races were small-field contests, trials for the Cheltenham Festival, lacking in depth and complexity. We could all see what was going to happen. It was a shame to have such predictable races on a Saturday card.
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Published on inChris Cook
Last updated
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- James McDonald the world's best? Nico de Boinville being chiselled off Constitution Hill? I fear we're pretty clueless when it comes to judging jockeys
- Tempted by 7-4 Final Demand for the Brown Advisory? Surely there are better bets at 7-4 every day of the week
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- Tweedy old Brian could ride to the rescue - my pitch to racing's leaders as they seek inspiration
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