Zenyatta’s defeat in the Breeders’ Cup Classic saw the bookies enjoy a £5 million swing on a night to savour for the firms.
America’s wonder-mare was held off in a thrilling climax to the Churchill Downs meeting by Blame – to seal a change in fortunes for Ladbrokes compared to a year ago at Santa Anita.
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “Had Zenyatta won the Classic the entire meeting would have swung in favour of the punters. In the end we’ve escaped from Kentucky feeling pretty relieved.
“It was a welcome turnaround from 12 months ago. Goldikova and Uncle Mo went in for the punters but we had the best of the rest of the races and Blame’s win was the icing on the cake.”
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