Inspiration for a bet can come from some odds places. We have all heard of punters having a bet on the Grand National simply making their decision based on the name of a horse, perhaps having a similarity to that of a family member, or even backing a selection based on the colour of jockey silks.
For some bettors, there is just no science in their betting, it is getting a punt down simply on a whim. But online betting site Betfair received a huge £1000 bet on the Masters Golf, and the inspiration for it came from perhaps one of the strangest places ever.
A Danish Pastry.
Rob Price, a college lecturer from Andover reached for his tasty treat and got more than he had bargained for. Burnt into the top of the Danish Pastry, there appeared to be a picture of Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy. So taken back but the McIlroy Danish, that Price went on to place the £1000 bet on McIlroy to win at Augusta on the weekend at a price of 11/1.
McIlroy, who of course had that famous breakdown in blowing a four shot lead in the final round back in 2011 at Augusta, had been trading as outright favourite after Tiger Woods decided to skip the tournament for the first time ever since turning pro because of needing surgery.
Price tweeted a picture of his inspirational Danish and following that, Betfair tweeted back to wish him luck in his betting endeavour on McIlroy at Augusta National.
Price, 27, commented: “I couldn’t believe it when I picked up my Danish from the local bakery in Andover only to see what looked like Rory McIlroy’s face burnt into the top of it.
“I was going to put some money on Rory to win The Masters this year anyway, but I’m pretty superstitious so when this happened, instead of putting £100 down, I decided to go big and put £1000 on through my Betfair account.
“It’s got to be a sign – Rory’s face on a piece of food from his girlfriend’s home country. My mates have had a giggle and think I’m mad, but if I pocket £11,000, I’ll be the one laughing.”
Betfair spokesperson, Barry Orr, added: “I suppose this isn’t the first time Rory’s been on top of a Danish…but it’s certainly the first time we’ve had a customer place a bet as a result of it.
It’s an odd way of choosing your bet, but it’s not the worst bet in the world – with Tiger dropping out of the Masters and the rest of the Tour having had a pretty mixed season, Rory’s our joint favourite at 11/1 and he’s certainly in with a good chance.”
With McIlroy struggling on day two after carding a 71 on day one, things aren’t looking particular great for either the golfer himself nor Price.
