A Royal Ascot bookmaker has been dealt a significant blow for the fourth consecutive day at the prestigious racing event. Star Sports, operating from pitches in the Ascot betting ring, has built a reputation for accepting substantial wagers from high rollers.
Expensive Start to the Meeting
The meeting began on a costly note for the firm, which ended the first day £400,000 down after taking £180,000 in bets on Bow Echo, who delivered a win for punters in Tuesday's St James's Palace Stakes. On Wednesday, the bookmaker suffered heavy losses on Ombudsman, winner of the Prince of Wales's Stakes, following several large bets, including two of £20,000 each.
Thursday's Gold Cup Setback
Thursday brought no improvement as Scandinavia captured the Gold Cup after attracting a single substantial bet of £120,000 at odds of 5-2.
Friday's Record Bet
There was no respite on Friday when the largest bet of the week was placed on Precise, a stablemate of Scandinavia, who emerged victorious in the Coronation Stakes. After £275,000 was wagered on Precise at odds of 8-11, Flynn Goward, Managing Director at Star Sports, expressed his concerns.
“I had everything crossed that we could get Ryan Moore's mount beaten here, but judging by the trend of the week so far we aren't too hopeful,” Goward said.
His instincts proved correct as the Classic-winning filly held off Touleen and the 1,000 Guineas winner True Love to win the Group 1 mile contest.
Reaction from Star Sports
Goward reacted to the loss: “The writing was on the wall for us when Ryan Moore hit the front aboard Precise in the Coronation, and we had to watch the final stages through our fingers as another massive bet – £275,000 at 8-11 – landed to floor us in the ring.
“We're certainly seeing stars at the moment, and after another dreadful result, we could be staring down the barrel at a six-figure loss on every day of Royal Ascot this year if this continues.”
