Trainer Jim Goldie believes Scottish football fans could be in for a lucrative payday after his horse Thistle Nil stunned bookmakers with a 200/1 victory at Ayr, setting up a possible 1200/1 double with Scotland's World Cup clash against Morocco.
Stunning 200/1 Victory at Ayr
The four-year-old, owned by Partick Thistle supporter Jimmy Long, won the Magners Original Cider Restricted Maiden Stakes at Ayr on Friday. Despite being the 200/1 outsider in the six-furlong race, jockey Rhys Elliott took an early lead and held off the favorite Star With Purpose to secure an impressive win.
Goldie, who trains the horse, expressed delight at the shock result. Speaking to Racing TV, he said: "He's been learning on the job, so to speak. He's a good looking wee horse. With Jimmy's horses, you never know because they're late maturers. He gives them time."
Potential 1200/1 Double with Scotland
Goldie suggested that patriotic punters who coupled Thistle Nil's win with a Scotland victory in their World Cup match against Morocco could be quids in. Scotland are priced as high as 5/1 to beat the African champions in Boston, meaning a double bet would pay out at a staggering 1200/1.
"I think a few people may have did them in a double with Scotland tonight. You never know, it may be a lucrative double!" Goldie added.
Scotland, led by Steve Clarke, face Morocco in a crucial World Cup group stage encounter, and the Tartan Army will be hoping for a positive result to complement the horse racing windfall.
