Hollywood Park: California investigation reveals big bet made just before race began

INGLEWOOD, Calif - A $5,000 win bet was placed in a Las Vegas casino seconds before the start of the fifth race at Hollywood Park on April 24, resulting in a significant odds drop on eventual winner Ninth Infantry, according to a report released by the California Horse Racing Board.

The racing board conducted a review of betting on the race and stated the $5,000 bet was made at an unnamed Nevada racebook three seconds before the start, and that 17 seconds passed before the bet was reflected on the infield tote board. By then, the race was well underway. It was several seconds later before the odds change was relayed to television sources, such as the ontrack simulcasting network.

Ninth Infantry’s odds dropped from 16-1 to 9-1. Ninth Infantry won an allowance race over a mile on turf by 3 1/4 lengths.

The racing board said a review of the betting pattern of the fifth race on April 24 was conducted after complaints were received about the late change in odds from customers questioning whether the bet was somehow placed after the race had started.

The racing board’s statement said that two other $5,000 win bets were made at a Nevada racebook on the third and fourth races on April 24 about 17 seconds before post time, but that neither ticket was placed on a winning horse. Steve’s Blue Sky finished seventh in the third race after her odds dropped from 5-2 to 9-5 caused largely by a $5,000 win bet. In the fourth race, a $5,000 win bet on Nonrefundable reduced the odds on that horse from 9-2 to 4-1. Nonrefundable finished second.

In addition, the racing board said the regulators, racetrack and wagering companies continue to seek ways to update odds on a more frequent basis in the minute before post time.