It has been reported that an ITV Racing analyst cost bookmakers more than a million pounds by giving gamblers a ridiculous Epsom Derby tip. Trainer Aidan O’Brien won the renowned race for the third time in a row when Lambourn was first past the post. With Jan Brueghel winning the Coronation Cup and Minnie Hauk winning the Oaks on Friday, it concluded an incredible two days for the Irishman. Lambourn was valued at 13/2 prior to the start of the Derby, thus those who bet on him were rightfully rewarded. Kevin Blake, an ITV Racing pundit who posted an 800/1 treble at the Cheltenham Festival two years ago, might have done better, though. Even better was his outstanding Derby tip, leaving many bookmakers out of pocket and delighting fans who took his inspired advice.
Blake selected Lambourn to finish in the top three at 8,249/1, followed by Lazy Griff in second place and Tennessee Stud in third. His prediction was remarkably accurate, causing the bookies to lose a significant amount of money in a race that they had previously won. David Stevens, a spokeswoman for Coral, told The Sun: “It may have been the threat of considerable rainfall that sparked the support for the proven stayer Lambourn, but even without a notable downpour, the Cheshire Vase winner controlled the race from start to finish.” He had support, according to an SP of 13-2. Even if the winner wasn’t the worst outcome in Derby history, Kevin Blake’s incredible tricast on ITV’s The Opening Show caused even more suffering.
