Exponential, trained by Stuart Williams, landed a huge gamble from 100-1 to 8-1 in the Wright Brothers Maiden Auction Stakes at Nottingham yesterday.
Exponential had finished last of 13 at Beverley on his only previous outing over six weeks ago, and as he had done there, he was fitted with an eyeshield and blinkers.
Dave Allan had him smartly away, and he was close up until quickening to lead over a furlong from home and he was then driven out to score by a length from 66-1 outsider Starduster.
The win may have shocked stay-at-home punters, but it was not entirely unexpected as far as his connections were concerned.
Williams said: "He had been working well before that first run, but he is a bit tricky and it was all too much for him.
"It was probably not a great race today and the owners like a bet so I indicated that they might like to back him each way.
"David has ridden for me before but that is his first winner for us. "
Bookmakers both on and off-course were hit by the gamble with one punter at the track having £50 on to win £5,000. Ladbrokes reported losing around £160,000 on the race.
"We laid four bets of £100 each-way at 100-1 but spare a thought for the punter who had £100 each-way at SP and as such has lost out on close to £10,000," said spokesman Balthazar Fabricius.
