Bookies need to adapt to new reality, not restrict multiples punters

There is something for everyone to take from the most recent reemergence of the irrepressible Frankie Dettori. From the racing purist, who sees a superb judge of pace who puts his mounts in the right place with uncanny regularity, to the casual punter, who knows he is the first name to look for on a racecard.

The latter group are normally easy prey for bookies, who love to take fanciful bets from those who like the look of a get-rich-quick accumulator. When hundreds, maybe thousands, have the same idea it can make for a more nervous wait.

There seemed genuine panic in the ranks when Dettori rode the first four winners on Gold Cup day at Royal Ascot and came so close to a fifth when Turgenev was worn down close home in the Britannia Stakes.