Refusal to pony up
Global iGaming giant Entain’s UK sportsbook Ladbrokes has responded to not paying out a stable lad more than €300,000 ($341,757) on a €30 ($34) each-way double bet he placed on two Irish horse races on April 19, 2024.
withholding the payout is “entirely consistent”
The Racing Post on Tuesday cited a Ladbrokes response that the horse races in question were under investigation and that withholding the payout is “entirely consistent” with their terms and conditions.
Racing’s Inside Track tv took to X earlier this week with an interview of the frustrated groom, Dylan Phelan:
Phelan, 25, stated the Ladbrokes saga has been “some emotional rollercoaster. Some good days thinking about it, but mainly bad and plenty of sleepless nights.”
The Dungarvan, Co Waterford stable lad’s €30 each-way double on Rocky’s Diamond (+8000) and Diamond Nora (+12500) at Limerick and Ballinrobe registered a €319,440 ($363,930) payout.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is investigating both races with a decision expected “shortly.”
Under investigation
The IHRB started its investigation into both the Limerick and Ballinrobe races after raceday stewards questioned “the apparent improvement in form shown by the winners.”
Phelan works for Waterford trainer Declan Queally, who owns both Rocky’s Diamond and Diamond Nora. The stable lad told the Post what made him bet on the pair.
Phelan said that despite the horses prior poor form, he thought Diamond Nora “had turned a corner” going into Ballinrobe. Rocky’s Diamond meanwhile “ran a lovely race beforehand at Gowran when he was only a baby and I just thought he was improving and looked better going to Limerick.”
“I took a chance and it worked out, that’s it.”
body confirmed Phelan was not part of investigation
On Tuesday, the IHRB confirmed the investigation into the two winners was “now nearing its conclusion and a decision will be taken shortly as to what further action, if any, will be taken.” The Irish horseracing body also confirmed Phelan was not part of the investigation.
Ladbrokes gave the IHRB probe as its reason for not paying out Phelan: “When a sporting governing body is investigating the integrity of a sports event on which we have taken notable bets, we will await the outcome of those proceedings before settling bets relating to the matter under investigation.”
Pursuit continues
Phelan isn’t entirely counting on the decision going his way, stating he’s “launched High Court proceedings” and is awaiting a hearing date.
my head is just fried with it.”
“I can’t put into words how frustrating it has been. It’s going on too long and my head is just fried with it.” He added: “I had a few small bets on the same horses, nothing crazy, with other bookmakers and I got paid out.”
