Bookies crying with joy as Black Tears foils banker Concertista in Mares’ Hurdle

Concertista: favourite for the mares’ hurdle

CAROLINE NORRIS

Concertista was denied in the final stride of the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle by Black Tears to puncture the hopes of punters holding hefty multiple bets running on to the favourite.

Bookmakers had been left in an “ominous” position after the victories of Appreciate It, Shishkin and Honeysuckle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, with Concertista odds-on favourite to complete the four-timer and set punters up for the week.

However, despite taking over in the lead on the run to the final hurdle, Concertista could not hold off the sustained challenge of Black Tears, who beat her in a head-bobbing finish.

Concertista’s defeat, along with that of favourite Happygolucky in the Ultima Handicap Chase, left bookmakers in a better position than they had anticipated following the first two races of the festival when Appreciate It and Shishkin were easy winning favourites.

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FIRST PUBLISHED 2:57PM, MAR 16 2021