Former England footballer Peter Crouch has been left £7,500 out of pocket after losing a high-stakes bet with bookmakers Paddy Power at the Cheltenham Festival, with the penalty taking the form of a massive round of Guinness.
A Costly Wager at the Races
Crouch, a regular attendee at the Cheltenham Festival over the years, has been a prominent figure at this year's event as well. The wager centred on the 3:20pm Stayers Hurdle race, with Paddy Power outlining the terms: if an Irish-trained horse won, Crouch would buy the pints, but if a British-trained horse won, the bookmaker would cover the cost.
History Repeats with a Pricier Outcome
This is not the first time Crouch has faced a betting loss at the festival. Last year, he also lost a bet with Paddy Power, though he refused to disclose the exact amount, only hinting it was substantial by saying, 'It was around… I'm not going to say the exact number. It wasn't cheap! It was longer than my femur.' Paddy Power commented on last year's outcome, noting, 'Last year we completely took his pants down to be fair. The whole field was Irish!'
This year, however, the odds seemed more balanced. Speaking ahead of the race, Crouch said, 'I went into it (last year) with my eyes closed a little bit. I think we've got three of the top five this year now.' Despite this optimism, the victory went to Home by The Lee, a 33/1 outsider, marking the longest priced winner since 2023 when Sire Du Berlais, also at 33/1, claimed the title.
The Aftermath and a Silver Lining
As a result of the loss, Crouch was forced to splash out £7,500 on Guinness. In a humorous twist, he was photographed dressed in a green and white Paddy Power jacket and a flat cap, personally pouring some of the pints. Paddy Power shared their amusement, stating, 'It was quite funny seeing the look on his face as he got the receipt.'
Fortunately for Crouch, there was a small consolation: the price of Guinness has been reduced this year, slightly softening the financial blow. The bet highlights the playful yet costly nature of celebrity wagers at major sporting events, blending sports, entertainment, and a touch of British humour.
