Paddy Power have announced not just one but two of the biggest and boldest ever Cheltenham specials.
The bookie will refund all losing bets not only if Willie Mullins’ ‘good-thing’ Douvan wins the opening Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, but also if Irish banker Un De Sceaux – also trained by Mullins – wins the Racing Post Arkle Trophy.
Paddy Power said: “In the spirit of Fifty Shades of Grey, we’re going all masochistic in the first two races. It’s very likely we’ll end day one with our pants around our ankles!
“The Tuesday of the Festival is already the scariest day for us with Willie-mageddon on the cards and these unbelievable offers just make it a little bit worse.
“But from a punter’s perspective it’s a dangerous game backing a load of short-priced ones on day one as if it all goes pear shaped, there’s a long three days ahead. Most people will probably be covering off the Mullins hotpots in multiple bets but basically this is ‘Willie insurance’ which might help mitigate some of the risk. And if you don’t like betting odds on, you can now have a bet in the Arkle.”
Douvan is a hot 7-4 favourite with Paddy for the Supreme with Willie Mullins recently having told members of the Fourth Estate: “He’s as nice a horse as we’ve ever had going to Cheltenham,” while many punters and pundits cannot envisage defeat for Un De Sceaux, 4-7 favourite for the Racing Post Arkle Trophy.
Top jockey Ruby Walsh, rider of both hotpots said: “They’re both rock solid and two of my best for the week, maybe they’re trying to put people off backing but I wouldn’t put you off, and if I was a bookie there’s not a sniff I’d be taking them on like this. Paddy must hate money – I hope he’s cleaned out!”.
Should either or both of the offers click, it will complete a bookie bashing four in a row. Last year Paddy Power refunded losing bets on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th placed horses in the Supreme, in 2013 they offered money back all losers if Hurricane Fly won the Champion Hurdle and in 2012 offered the same when Sprinter Sacre won the Arkle.
*Applies from 8am, 24th Feb. Applies to win (& win part of ew) single bets only. Refunds will be in the form of a free bet, maximum 50 per customer per race. Does not apply to extra racing markets. Does not apply to Tote bets.