Power to the punter

By Alan Conway

There is nothing like a bit of controversy to get the blood flowing. We all know women can be stubborn at the best of times, but last week at York took the biscuit and in the process divided the bookmaking fraternity. A week on from Sariska refusing to leave the stalls at York the debate as to whether or not bookmakers should have refunded all bets rumbles on.

Some bookmakers like Paddy Power came out right away and refunded win singles on Sariska up to 200 euro. Indeed at 3.28 a blog on paddypower.com stated that “Before the 3.25 at York, the feature race of the day, Sariska and Jamie Spencer indulged in a game of musical statues. Unfortunately one of them forgot they were also in a horse race. The well-backed mare planted her

hooves and refused to leave the stalls. Anyway our customers won’t be feeling the pain as we’ve refunded all losing win singles on Sariska”.

Two other big firms, Ladbrokes and William Hill declined to do the same. Kate Miller of William Hill said at the time “Sariska’s stubbornness is a bit disappointing for punters but, as per the rules of racing, we have chosen not to refund bets. We review each situation individually, but won’t be taken to task by competitors.”

I backed Sariska and at the time I thought that I had lost my money. Yet within minutes I knew that I would get my money back. A lot of people will cynically think that all Paddy Power was looking for was some free publicity. The fact remains that they didn’t have to refund the money yet they chose to.

Two people I know also backed Sariska. One had 200 on, the other had 40. Who did they back with? Ladbrokes. They were kicking themselves for not backing with Powers. Aside from loosing money, which was in the region of 200,000 euro Paddy Power came out smelling like roses. They kept their punters happy and no doubt gained a few more in the process. Some of the people they gain may only bet in small amounts but they might not win often and over time Paddy Power will have them and have their money back

There was no indication that Sariska would refuse to race. It only came out afterwards that her half sister had also refused to race on one occasion. It was not like backing a horse like Twist Magic who has a history of being a monkey when he wants to be. Each punter who backed the daughter of Pivotal was expecting a good run for their money.

I do understand where people are coming from when they say that Sariska was under orders and it’s tough luck if she refused to race. But at a time when racing is trying so many things to attract new customers to the sport would it not have made sense for all bookmakers to show a united front and help the punter? Sadly it seems that money rules all.

There was an opportunity for the big bookmaking firms to save face and show that they care about their customers and not just their money. Some grabbed the opportunity while others dropped the ball.

It is not the only time Paddy Power has refunded their punters. When Dustin Johnston was deducted 2 strokes at this year’s USPGA they offered punters their win single stake back. A small gesture but it keeps punters betting with them.

We all know that racing like any sport is uncertain. In these uncertain times it’s nice to be reminded that we have a safety net should the extraordinary happen and our horse doesn’t fancy racing. Others can learn by the example set by Paddy Power.

By Alan Conway