Punters fume at ‘horrendous’ tactics at the start of Brighterdaysahead’s astonishing 31-length win over State Man

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD demolished Champion Hurdle king State Man in an amazing Neville Hotels Hurdle – but punters were left fuming about the ‘horrendous’ tactics at the start.

Paul Townend appeared to be caught sleeping as Sam Ewing on the winner and Danny Gilligan on pacemaker King Of Kingsfield hared off in front.

Some punters thought Paul Townend was caught sleeping on State Man, in the yellow and black silks at the back, as winner Brighterdaysahead stole a few lengths at the start ...