Ante-post favourite’s Epsom absence means big win for bookmakers

Bookmakers have already profited to the tune of £2 million on Saturday’s Investec Derby thanks to the withdrawal of pre-race favourite St. Nicholas Abbey.

Aidan O’Brien’s horse had drifted in the market over the weekend, amid rumours of an injury, and had gone out to 7/2 in the betting, but his withdrawal still came as a shock, and it is one which has proved expensive for ante-post punters.

David Williams of Ladbrokes told Bettingpro:

"It's dreadful news for punters. They kept the faith all through the Winter. We reckon at least £2 million has been staked on St Nicholas Abbey since late last Summer.

"There's no way to soften the blow. It highlights the perils of antepost punting but the timing and scale of the news have combined to render it very bleak news indeed."

The new favourite for the big race on Saturday is now Jan Vermeer, at 15/8 with Ladbrokes