You win some, you lose some!

Of course with every Cheltenham Festival there are talking points, and 2017 is no different. One story that stood out for me this year was that of a big money punter with topsy turvy fortunes.  The anonymous gentlemen got off to a stellar start when his bet on Altior in the Arkle Chase on the first day of Cheltenham bagged him a cool £100,000. So far so good right? Well yes, but let's not forget he had to wage an eye watering £400,000 at 1-4 to win that sum.

This guy clearly doesn't like the quiet life and unfortunately lumping big money on odds-ons proved to be his undoing on the second day of the festival. The cash rich punter placed a £375,000 bet on the favourite Douvan in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at stingy odds of 2-9.  What was expected to be an easy two mile win, turned into anything but for Douvan as he struggled, eventually finishing seventh. The loss was actually bigger than the prize money for the race.

Ben Keith, the shrewd and/or brave bookmaker who took the bet through his Star Sports firm will no doubt have been raising a glass as Douvan limped home.

I think I'll be sticking to fun bets!