POV: It’s a Non Starter (David Stewart)

David Stewart on the chaos in the Derby betting markets after favourite Benvenuto Cellini was ruled to have been a non-runner.…

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It wasn’t a traditional Derby Day for me. In fact, it was so near yet so far given I had a pre-booked hospital appointment in nearby Sutton.

That did allow me to watch the race later and, importantly time to reflect on what is surely the betting story of the year?

Firstly, I am writing this not with any edge of writing on a bookmaker’s site, the fact that it was the Derby or even the fact it was the hot favourite.

It’s actually deeper and simpler than that. Punters AND Bookmakers deserve to know what to expect from when the race starts and this ruling makes it uncertain and untenable.

There is so much subjectivity at stake, different cameras at different courses and (unlike Epsom!) it’s no longer a level playing field.

Thankfully, and most importantly, Benvenuto Cellini appeared none the worse but what happens when we get cases of horses misbehaving in the stalls, hoods not coming off, horses looking down when the race starts? Where are the new guidelines and will they be deployed in the 8.30 at Newcastle on a Monday night?

The ONLY advantage of what has happened in such a high-profile race is that it has flung this massive story centerstage and can now hopefully be nipped in the bud before any more hornets leave the nest?

Incidentally and unconnected, I thought Epsom had really bad luck with the weather after a heatwave spell. I’m based in Esher and was looking at the ITV pictures unfolding of the weather Armageddon at Epsom, looking outside and thinking it’s not that bad here. Totally different weather just four miles apart as the crow flies!

Clearly, their efforts to build the race and crowd were thwarted by this but there is still work to be done. The NHS nurse didn’t even know it was even Derby Day, or more puzzlingly, my Uber driver who works in that area! These are people that surely need simple awareness even if they choose not to attend?

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