Wokingham result saves bookmakers from multi-million pound payout

Dreamfield’s narrow defeat in the Wokingham Stakes saved bookmakers from a multi-million pound payout on the final day of Royal Ascot on Saturday, with victory for 33-1 Bacchus the difference between a winning and losing week for many.

Sent off a red-hot 2-1 favourite in a field of 28, victory for Dreamfield would have cost the betting industry in the region of £3 million it was estimated on Saturday evening, but instead a neck defeat gave bookmakers the upper hand.

“Dreamfield's narrow defeat to Bacchus in the Wokingham confirmed a winning week for us bookies,” said Betway's Alan Alger. “The industry would have been shelling out a fortune had Dreamfield pulled out a bit more in front, so we're breathing a huge sigh of relief.

“Even though Crystal Ocean got the job done for favourite-backers in the Hardwicke, there were enough upsets on the card, not to mention the week, to ensure that we finished Royal Ascot in the black."

Despite being renowned as one of the most competitive handicaps of the year, the Wokingham has been synonymous with hefty gambles in the past, with Iffraaj winning as the 9-4 favourite in 2005 and Laddies Poker Two landing a plunge as the 9-2 market leader five years later.

Despite being short on experience after just three winning runs, Dreamfield started shorter than both those past winners for John Gosden, James Doyle and owners Godolphin but, having led throughout the final furlong, continually drifted left before Bacchus edged ahead close home.

“It was a dream result for bookmakers,” said Paul Binfield of Paddy Power. “Dreamfield was backed like he was not only a Group horse in a handicap but a Group 1 horse and it was a significant result for us.”

It was a similar story for Coral, according to spokesman David Stevens, although it has not been all doom and gloom for punters this week.

"We've definitely got out of jail with that result, but it hasn't gone all our way this week, and wins for Crystal Ocean and Merchant Navy gave final day punters plenty to cheer, but we've no complaints after that Wokingham result," he said.

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