The Aidan O’Brien yard suffered Classic mishap with two horses accidentally scratched from the 2000 Guineas on Tuesday. Albert Einstein and Gstaad will now have to be supplemented, while Dan Skelton’s cross-card four-timer punished the bookmakers.
Today’s racing news for Wednesday is rounded up below.
Albert Einstein and Gstaad mistakenly scratched from 2000 Guineas
Aidan O’Brien said the “computer went bananas” as two of his main 2000 Guineas contenders were accidentally scratched from the opening Classic. The BHA’s rules now insist that Albert Einstein and Gstaad will need to be supplemented for the race. Albert Einstein had been favourite for the 2000 Guineas as recently as Saturday. However, a heavy defeat on return had left doubts about his Guineas suitability. O’Brien subsequently said the pair “will be supplemented” if the intention is to run at Newmarket. (The Guardian)
Dan Skelton four-timer punishes bookmakers
Bookmakers DragonBet and Paddy Power reported five-figure payouts on a Dan Skelton four-timer on Tuesday. The Skelton quartet were all extremely well-backed for their respective assignments at Bangor-On-Dee and Newcastle. Coumeenoole, Palamon, Service Minimum and Tyson all scored during the afternoon leaving the bookies running for cover. DragonBet co-founder James Lovell said their payout was “the biggest hit we have taken” since launching their online platform. (Racing Post)
William Hill to close 200 shops as jobs put at risk
Another bookmaker in trouble on Tuesday was William Hill. The UK betting giant is being forced to close 200 shops across the country. The chain referenced recent tax hikes as the reason for action being taken. Across those 200 shops, as many as 1,500 jobs could be at risk. Staff have been informed of this decision in the past 24 hours, with many likely to be seeking new employment once the closures begin in May. (GB News)
Holloway Queen a non-runner in Irish Grand National
Nicky Henderson has decided against sending National Hunt Chase heroine Holloway Queen to the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. Henderson pointed to the fact that she is only a six-year-old as the main factor to stay at home. The decision means her National Hunt Chase success was her last run of this season. The Grand National at Aintree could come into play this time next season; Henderson has famously never won the big race. (PA via Racing TV)
Nicky Richards records 1000th winner
Trainer Nicky Richards, one of the stalwarts of the northern racing scene, surpassed 1000 winners yesterday. His Cumbrian yard sent two runners to Newcastle, both of whom were victorious. No sooner had Jehol De Thaix become number 1000 that Smokeringinthedark added a further one 90 minutes later. Among Richards’ most famous former winners across a 28-year career are Monet’s Garden and Simply Ned. (PA via Racing TV)