SIMON NOTT: The Friday Review

The JCB Triumph Hurdle

After a slowish start the joint was rocking near the off time. We laid £6000 at 11/4, more if you like. Ben was desperately trying to fill the hod, get the favourite beaten and Star off to a flying start. Defi Du Seuil was for over £23,000 at the off. He hosed up, terrible start. 1-0 punters.

The County Hurdle

Betting was held up by the huge queue of winning punters from the first. The unpleasant task of paying out not helped by a gloating Matt Chapman and camera crew, the rotter. There are plenty of horses bet at 11/2 the field as the punters try and find the winner. We’ve got Ivanovich Gorbatov losing £20,000. Never a worry 20/1 Arctic Fire gets us back in the game.

Albert Bartlett

Betting centred around Death Duty but we ducked it early.Lumpy bets on Ami Desbois and The Worlds End meant we had a lopsided book. The winner Penhill was a winner in the course book but a massive loser in the ante-post book. We didn’t get our whack on course.

The Gold Cup

The feature race of the meeting and the one where everyone opens their shoulders and bets like heroes. We had Native River a five figure loser for most of the betting then got hit for a £21,000 – £6000 Djakadam late on as Ben gave the favourite a striping. They set off with us up the front two for five figures a piece. Sizing John was a fantastic result for and put us back in front on the day. Smiles all round, cigar anyone?

Foxhunter Challenge Cup

We were betting away on the race when a gentleman who I shall politely describe as ‘refreshed’ asked if he could check his Facebook on one of our computers. Sadly for our social media starved friend the answer was no. There was much lighter business with Wonderful Charm (named after Ben?) the most popular 9/2 into 7/2 in a very small betting heat. 16/1 winner Pacha Du Polder was a small winner in the book.

The Martin Pipe

As always the punters made the book in the big handicap they kept us busy but stakes were modest. Our worst in the book was I Shot The Sheriff and No Comment both losing around £6000. 12/1 winner Champagne Classic was a great result for us but as stakes were small the winnings were too. But with one race to go the elastic bands were going around the readies.

The Grand Annual

Just when we thought we’d coast home the punters had one last go at ruining our day. Rock The World the only loser in the book for £43,000 after laying some chunks and certainly did so flying up the hill to win at 10/1. A terrible last race for us and a huge dent in what had been a tremendous winning week. We’re leaving the course crest-fallen but we’ll be back, see you all next year.

Simon Nott

---

SIMON NOTT is a freelance racing blogger and author of The Skint Mob. More details at simonnott.co.uk