SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Paddy Power will refund all losing accumulators placed on Cheltenham Festival’s “Mullins Four” following the last hurdle fall of race horse Annie Power and jockey Ruby Walsh, during the Festivals Monday Mare’s Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Legendary trainer Willie Mullins race horses ridden by champion jockey Ruby Walsh had seen thousands of punters take up four fold accumulators, as punters hoped of a historic four triumphs for Ruby Walsh and Mullins stables.
Following wins for Mullins favourites Douvan, Un De Sceaux, and Faugheen, all eyes turned to Annie Power at the Mare’s Hurdle to complete a prosperous day for Cheltenham punters. Nevertheless the race favourite tripped at the last hurdle leaving punters unable to complete four fold wins on their accumulators.
The charitable refund to unlucky punters will cost the bookmaker approximately €500,000, a snip at what the bookmaker would have had to pay out in winnings had Annie Power won.UK newspapers have speculated that bookmakers risked upwards of £80 million in combined winnings had Annie Power finished the race in first place.
Spokesperson for Paddy Power Féilim Mac An Iomaire said, “Having your horse fall at the last is the racing equivalent of a kick in the knackers and it’s only fair that we refund our customers their hard earned.Punters were all over the ‘Mullins four’ and we hope this gesture goes some way towards mending the broken hearts.”
Vine – Annie Power Slip reaction at Cheltenham Festival 2015
