Bookmakers managed to claw back some of the losses following an awful opening day for the layers - though the punters hold the upper hand after several fancied horses triumphed despite it being a blank day for favourites.The headline horse was Sprinter Sacre who was a popular wager for the backers and overturned the Willie Mullins hotpot Un De Sceaux in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.Victories for the Mullins-trained Yorkhill in the Neptune and Gordon Elliott's Diamond King in the Coral Cup also gave bookies a bloody nose.David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "Punters never gave up on Sprinter Sacre. They're dancing once again to his tune and the bookies are counting the cost."He is one of the great public horses of our time and the shuddering roars of approval on course told us all we needed to know."The half-time whistle has blown and we're firmly on the back foot."It probably wasn't as expensive as the opening day but it's nothing to write home about. If there's one horse the bookies didn't want to turn over an odds-on shot it would be Sprinter Sacre."BetVictor spokesman Charlie McCann said: "It's now 2-0 to the punters."When you think there are three shorties on Thursday, we probably need two of those three to get beat."It's a fantastic first two days for the punters, but we're only half-way."In contrast, Paddy Power and Betfred remain positive with two days to go.Paddy Power spokesperson Féilim Mac An Iomaire said: "Results certainly went our way on day two and we're in with a fighting chance for the remainder of the Festival."Betfred were also in a better position after an opening-day drubbing.Their spokesman Mark Pearson said: "Following a severe budget deficit after Ruby Tuesday we've sprinted back and balanced the books at the half-way stage."Stan James also believe all is not lost.Stephanie King, their PR and media relations manager, said: "It's no surprise we are losing so far but we are staying positive and praying for good results in the remaining two days."
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