Bookies slaughtered at Royal Ascot

Not a good week for bookies at Royal Ascot, with favourites and plunge horses landing the chocolates all festival. With only six horses winning at 10/1 or bigger - a very low number considering the size of many of the fields - there was no respite at all for bookies. Only Rite of Passage winning the Gold Cup on Thursday at 20/1 was a surprise result in any of the big races.

"Punters have never had it so good. Every single day they've given us a right royal bashing," said Ladbrokes' David Williams. "Thank goodness for the England football team. They are our only salvation in a week of misery for the bookies."

"It has been carnage, no other word for it," said William Hill spokesman David Hood.

"What is it about Ascot? For some bookies the five consecutive losing days of 2010 will make the infamous Dettori day look like a round of drinks.

Totesport told a similar story, with spokesman George Primarolo adding: "Punters have clawed back their Cheltenham losses and more after a woeful week for the layers.

"At this rate, we'll need Honduras to win the World Cup to make the balance sheet look respectable."

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power described it as the "worst Festival meeting ever".

"This has not only been the worst Royal Ascot we have endured, but also the worst Festival meeting we have ever experienced," said Power himself.

Quotes from SportingLife.

And considering my experience with one of the thieving bastards on-course on Wednesday, you reap what you sow!

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