A horse named Dubious Affair has received an unexpected flurry of bets at the bookies this weekend.
Racing punters couldn’t resist having a flutter on the Irish thoroughbred, which has proved to be a surprisingly popular choice across the nation.
Dozens took a chance on Dubious Affair, who finished second at Royal Ascot last week, due to his strong form.
But bookmakers Coral and William Hill told Metro.co.uk how many had backed the animal after recognising the relevance of his ‘rather apt’ name.
Dubious Affair was sent off second favourite for the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle this afternoon.
He was a ‘very popular selection’ in the biggest betting race of the day, said Coral spokesman, David Stevens.
‘While that was largely due to the horse having very strong form, I’m sure there were a few punters backing the horse because of his rather apt name this week.’
William Hill spokesman, Rupert Adams, told Metro.co.uk: ‘It appears that our betting shop customers have a sense of humour and could not resist the coincidence.’
And horseracing fans on social media couldn’t help but notice the coincidence.
One industry worker posted on Twitter: ‘Dubious Affair is the most popular racing selection in our shops today.
‘Wonder why punters have latched on to that one?’
They added: ‘Guess it was an eyecatcher at Ascot – but even so, wouldn’t have expected it to be the most supported horse today.’
Unfortunately for Dubious Affair’s backers, the horse had a disappointing finish, coming 11th out of 20 runners.
And it hasn’t been Matt Hancock’s lucky day either.
The Health Secretary bowed to pressure and quit his Cabinet post after becoming engulfed in controversy over an alleged affair with aide Gina Coladangelo.
A horse named Party Politics scooped victory at the Grand National in 1992, five days before a General Election won by the Conservatives.
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