Nakamura and Daizen land brilliant 60/1 double for Celtic punters

For Celtic supporters with a penchant for the nags, Tuesday’s usually mundane racecards turned into something a punter’s dream, for those who were sharp enough and brave enough to place a bet that is.

Two horses, both carrying the names of Celtic Park favourites, flew home within the space of 15 minutes on either side of the Irish Sea, landing a belter of a 60/1 double for those lucky (or sharp-eyed) enough to have a flutter.

At Cork, Nakamura – or at least the four-legged version of him – lived up to the iconic name. With jockey Ben Coen in the saddle, the 9/2 joint second favourite powered through in the 2.15, a competitive six-furlong contest with 12 runners.

Then, scarcely had the dust settled than Ayr served up more Hoops-linked joy. At 2.30, Daizen, no, not the Parkhead forward himself, though someone suggested it might just have been him on a post-training warm-down, blitzed home first in another six-furlong dash, this time against eight rivals, at double figure odds of 10/1.

Irish bookies Tommy French had already flagged up the “Bhoys from Japan” bet that morning, perhaps with tongue firmly in cheek, labelling it a “Mug’s Double.” The result, and the odds attached, suggested it was anything but. With the benefit of hindsight of course.

Those who stuck a few quid on Nakamura and Daizen both to win were laughing all the way to the pay-out window. Celtic fans on social media were quick to clock the connection. One punter posted, “Nakamura and Daizen win across the card. Bad day for bookmakers in the east end of Glasgow!”

Not everyone was so lucky, though. Another supporter admitted ruefully:, “My mate rang me this morning to tell me, and I totally forgot to do them.” Ouch!

So, hands up, how many of you reading this actually pocketed a few quid on the 60/1 double? And how many, like me, are kicking yourselves today?

Either way, it’s a nice reminder that sometimes fate smiles kindly on those who support the Celts, whether on the pitch, or on the turf.

And if you landed the gamble. Make sure you don’t spend it wisely!

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