McCoy’s victory sees bookies pay out £100,000 with a smile!
Published:AP McCoy’s victory in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year saw Ladbrokes shell out over £100,000 – and they did so with an enormous smile.
McCoy justified odds of 4/6 to take the prestigious prize and although the bookies took a battering on the night, they were thrilled with the result.
McCoy was the best backed candidate in the history of the award.
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “We’ve lost a fair few quid but we couldn’t care one bit. McCoy’s victory is wonderful news for racing and we’re over the moon for him.
“It must be a first for the bookies: we’ve ended up punching the air as a heavily odds-on and well-backed favourite has won. For once, the money we’ve lost is irrelevant.”
Ladbrokes launched a campaign in November to help muster support for McCoy that included an exclusive “Talking Horses” online viral and shop-based activity in “McCoy Week” up and down the land.
Andy Murray has been installed the 4/1 favourite to win next year’s award.
“If Murray bags any of the four Majors his price will collapse. If he finally lands Wimbledon next summer we’ll probably pay out early,” explained Williams.
Ladbrokes – BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2011
4/1 Andy Murray
7/1 David Haye
8/1 AP McCoy
8/1 Lewis Hamilton
12/1 Wayne Rooney
14/1 Phil Taylor
14/1 Lee Westwood
16/1 Andrew Strauss
20/1 Rory McIlroy
20/1 Jessica Ennis
20/1 Gareth Bale
25/1 bar – Each way 1/5 odds 1-2-3
