On March 23rd, 2005, Blue Arctic was thought to be the longest odds winner in Wales ever when he came first in the John Smith’s Extra Smooth Support ABF Novices Hurdle at Chepstow.
He was priced at 200/1, and had just changed trainer for the second time.
The win was a real flash in the pan too.
Arctic Blue had been racing for 5 years, never finishing higher than 6th place but usually lower. It was his first race back after a 234 day break, and with a field of 15 runners.
Nevertheless, the 200/1 odds proved to be an error.
Despite holding back towards the rear for much of the race, he gained ground four out and continued to push until he took the lead approaching the last. He held onto his advantage on the final straight, winning by just over a length.
Patrick Rodford was the man responsible for the horse’s sudden change in form, and after the race, one of his assistants said:
“He’s been working well with Laggan Bay, who was balloted out of the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham last week.”
“He’s a big, clumsy horse, but has always shown plenty at home.”
If any bets were placed on Arctic Blue they were not made public, but at 200/1 and on a regular meeting at Chepstow, you wouldn’t imagine anyone would have been betting big money.
The bookmakers will have been happy of course, having taken next to no money on Arctic Blue at those odds, leaving them to sweep up.
Jenny Prest, speaking for William Hill, said:
“I think it shows that anything can happen in racing”.
“I am sure that anyone who took a shine to the name and put a lucky bet on will be celebrating.”
This would suggest William Hill didn’t see any big winners. However, online chat rooms talked about some Betfair trading which suggested someone may have made a pretty penny, but it was never confirmed. Anyone backing Arctic Blue via the Tote lost out big time as it only paid back 78/1 in dividend, but if there is any truth to the rumour that an on course bookie layed the horse at 500/1, someone in Chepstow will have been out celebrating that night.
This would be Arctic Blue’s only career win. He came 2nd then 3rd in his next two races, before falling back into poor form, changing trainers again, and eventually being retired.
Still, he will be forever one of the small number of horses to have won at 200/1 odds.