We're Sire losers

CHELTENHAM DAY 3: ONE TO FORGET FOR PUNTERS | Bookies strike back as long shots snatch glory on Cotswolds

- ROERT HYNES

PUNTERS were left frozen, soaked and broke as the favourites were beaten at a wet and cold Cheltenham Festival yesterday.

Defeats for much-fancied horses such as Mighty Potter, Shishkin, Teahupoo and Luccia allowed bookies to recoup earlier losses.

At 33-1, Sire Du Berlais became one of JP McManus' biggest-priced winners as Prestbury Park as he recorded his 71st success in the Stayers' Hurdle.

He said: "I've not had too many 33-1 winners but old Creon [2004 Pertemps Final 50-1] won at a big price and Kadoun [2006 Pertemps Final 50-1] but this one went. unbacked but still we will just enjoy it just the same."

Sire Du Berlais' victory came after Rachael Blackmore won the Ryanair Chase on Envoi Allen [13/2] to give Henry de Bromhead another Grade 1 win at Cheltenham.

But the Jack de Bromhead Mares' Novices' Hurdle, a race named in memory of the trainer's tragic son by sponsors Ryanair, was the contest the Waterford handler most wanted to win.

And he very nearly did as Magical Zoe one of his five runners finished second behind You Wear It Well.

But Jack's mother Heather said: "It was a wonderful result for Jamie [Snowden, trainer].