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Sportingbet Action Over ‘Publicity Stunt’ Claims

Australian bookmakers at war over $5 million bet

Thursday 22nd April 2004



Champion horse Lonhro may have retired at the weekend, but it leaves in its wake a furious war of words between two of Australia’s biggest bookmakers. The argument concerns the alleged $5 million wager placed on Lonhro’s final race by a mysterious Sportingbet customer.

Darwin bookie Michael Sullivan, who took the bet, reacted angrily when Melbourne bookmaker Michael Eskander intimated that the whole thing was no more than a publicity stunt. Following horse’s shock defeat at the Sydney stakes, he commented, “I'll have an even $5 million with you it's not true.'

Sportingbet said it has contacted its lawyers over the allegation will also take the unusual step of confirming the bet to the Northern Territory Government. Mr Sullivan said the bet will be easily verified when the government collects about $19,000 in tax from the stake.

However, the identity of the multi-million dollar punter will remain a mystery: 'I'm not going to discuss my clients whether they bet $50 or $5 million,' Sullivan said.




Source: OnlineCasinoNews