In comments sent to Gambling Insider, Boswell believes day one was not a good start for the bookies. In particular, it started badly due to a well-backed Constitution Hill winning for Nicky Henderson. Another well-backed success then came in with Edwardstone for Alan King in the Arkle, going off at 5/2.
However, things could have been a lot worse on day one if Gaelic Warrior had won for Willie Mullins in the Boodles Handicap; he was narrowly pipped at the post by Brazil in a photo finish, leaving BetVictor behind at the end of the day.
Day two was more positive for Cheltenham Festival operators, with them coming out on top over bettors. The feature race went to second-favourite Energumene, a good result with well-backed Shishkin failing to produce the goods at Prestbury Park.
Additional results in the Coral Cup, such as a 50/1 win for Commander of Fleet, meant bookmakers had a good day overall. Many bettors made sentimental bets on Tiger Roll, who despite running in unfavourable conditions, nearly pulled off a famous sixth win, only being beaten on the line by Delta Work.
Day three saw several dark horses winning over favourites, meaning bookmakers edged further ahead of punters. A last fence fall from Galopin Des Champs set the tone for a dramatic day, who was narrowly the favourite ahead of winner Bob Olinger.
Similarly, Dinoblue losing out in the Mares Hurdle was a huge boost to bookmakers before 40/1 outsider Chambard claimed the last victory for Venetia Williams.
The final day, however, was a backwards step for bookmakers, with many well-backed favourites coming to form. In fact, the favourites won in all the major races on day four.
For example, the Blue Ribbon Chase event went to Ireland once again, as last year’s second, A Plus Tard, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, claimed a dramatic win.
This trend continued with other favourites, such as Vauban winning the Triumph Hurdle for Mullins. Moreso, it was a winning day for Mullins overall, who took four victories, including in The Hunters, where Mullins’ son won on 13/8 favourite, Billaway.
