Manchester United legend Paul Scholes lands huge windfall with £2,500 Cheltenham bet
Betting on the race favourite paid off for Man United icon Paul Scholes as he doubled his money - thanks to a punt on Cheltenham's first race on Tuesday.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes saw his £2,500 bet become a £5,000 pay-out in a matter of minutes as horse Kopek Des Bordes brought it home at Cheltenham Festival. The horse managed the feat after coming from behind to secure the almost two lengths win over William Munney.
The day started as tens of thousands of racegoers applauded much-loved jockey Michael O’Sullivan - who tragically died last month - before the first horses lined up in the opening race of the festival. O’Sullivan died after sustaining injuries during a race fall at Thurles on February 6. He rode 95 winners across Ireland and Britain - including two victories at the Cheltenham Festival.
As the horses gathered in the stall for the newly renamed Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle - one horse was strongly tipped to win the day. Gelding Kopek Des Bordes was a strong favourite after achieving three wins from three in his previous outings - which may have been the reason Scholes chose to put his money on it. The horses' trainer Willie Mullins said Kopek des Bordes may be one of the best he has and added that he 'looks like a champion'.
Kopek Des Bordes went into the race with jockey Paul Townsend on his back. Townsend was the same jockey who rode the horse to a 13-length victory during his win at Leopardstown last month. As the competitors made their way to the starting gates it was noted that the favourite looked calm and composed.
The race got underway and soon after, Scholes' choice was in third as he settled into a rhythm and tracked the leaders. Workahead pulled to the lead with Romeo Coolio in second and Kopek Des Bordes trailing both. Workahead continued to set a decent pace before dropping off and being passed as Romeo Coolio became the new leader.
The favourite and his rider played a patient game before Townsend picked the right moment to strike. With the finish not far away, Kopek Des Bordes moved into first with William Munney giving chase. It was a valiant effort from the contender but as the favourite crossed the line by nearly two lengths - William Munney had no choice but to settle for second best as Romeo Coolio rounded out the top-three in third position.
It was a memorable win for the horse's owner Charlie McCarthy - who two weeks ago underwent surgery to remove a cancerous kidney.
McCarthy said: “To be honest about it, it’s a wonderful day for me. Michael O’Sullivan, who the race is named after, grew up 20 kilometres from me and I donate this to the O’Sullivan family. He was a wonderful jockey. We’ll enjoy it, we’re from County Cork the O’Sullivans and myself, it’s an all-around occasion and it’s wonderful to be alive today and celebrate the way we’re going to celebrate.”
He added: “I’d have swam across the Irish sea to be here."
Scholes has yet to react to the result on Instagram after posting the betting slip with the caption, 'Here we go then.' The Salford City co-owner has a history of betting which saw him get in hot water with the FA in 2019.