PADDY POWER mocked their own huge error after paying out on Jonbon to win the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
The betting company made the premature decision to award winnings to those who had stuck their money on the line back in November.
Jonbon could only manage second place behind El FabioloReuters
Jockey Aidan Coleman failed to hold off El FabioloPA
It came after a video emerged of Jonbon schooling impressively ahead of his chasing debut.
However, it did not quite turn out as Paddy Power were expecting.
The horse, jockeyed by Aidan Coleman, came home second in the Arkle as El Fabiolo finished strongly to win the race.
Paul Townend led the pre-race favourite to glory on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
And it left Paddy Power licking their wounds as they shared a hilarious clip of former Newcastle manager Steve Bruce sombrely greeting journalists ahead of a press conference.
Mark Walsh rounded off the top three on the 11/1 Saint Roi.
Dysart Dynamo had set the pace early on but fell at the final fence.
Fortunately, he appeared to get back up without any serious injury.
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Speaking after winning the race, Townend told ITV: “Huge engine, improving the whole time.
“I was happy we got in a good gallop and he came alive at the right time. The engine has always been there.”
And El Fabiolo’s owner Willie Mullins told BBC’s 5 Sports Extra: “To get on the board early is always fantastic.
“We have a lot of fancied horses today. You have to temper your expectations because we know at least half won’t win.
“I didn’t get to enjoy the win because I was looking at Dysart Dynamo. I stopped looking at the winner because I knew he would win. But thankfully both horse and jockey have got up.”