In what's being described as the most audacious betting story of the racing calendar, an Australian bookmaker is facing a multi-million pound payout that's left them with what they're calling "wet trousers."
The extraordinary gamble involves a staggering £500,000 wager placed on German raider Ashrun, who's emerged as a surprise contender for the prestigious Melbourne Cup. If the horse triumphs, the bookmaker will be forced to pay out an eye-watering £4 million.
The Bet That Changed Everything
Professional bookmaker David Lamming of betting firm Bet365 openly admitted the massive bet has left him and his team in a state of high anxiety. "We've got wet trousers," he confessed, using racing parlance for a nervous bookmaker facing a huge potential loss.
The bet was placed at odds of 7/1 on Ashrun, who has captured attention with his impressive form and now stands as one of the most backed horses in the lead-up to Australia's most famous race.
From International Outsider to Front-Runner
Ashrun's journey to Melbourne Cup contention reads like a racing fairytale. The German-trained stayer has rapidly transformed from an international unknown to a genuine threat, with his odds shortening dramatically in recent weeks.
The timing of the enormous bet has sent shockwaves through the racing community, with many seasoned observers calling it one of the boldest punts they've witnessed in years.
What's at Stake
The numbers are truly breathtaking:
- Stake: £500,000 - one of the largest single bets in recent racing history
- Potential Payout: £4 million if Ashrun wins
- Current Odds: 7/1 at the time the bet was placed
- Race: The Melbourne Cup, Australia's richest handicap
This high-stakes drama encapsulates everything that makes the Melbourne Cup one of the world's most exciting racing events, where fortunes can be made or lost in the space of three thrilling minutes.
The racing world now waits with bated breath to see whether this monumental gamble will pay off, or if the bookmakers can breathe a sigh of relief when the horses cross the finish line at Flemington Racecourse.
