WHILE the market downturn has made most investors wary one is taking a $1 million risk.
The mystery punter has bet on champion race horse, Weekend Hussler, to win at Caulfield today.
The biggest bet of the spring carnival so far has left bookie Matthew Tripp`s Darwin-based organisation hoping for an upset result in the Group One Underwood Stakes.
Tripp faces a $1.65 million payout if Weekend Hussler wins.
"The punter is probably our best client and he is a real fan of Weekend Hussler," Tripp said.
"We took the bet at $1.65 and the horse is now at $1.55 favouritism."
Tripp conceded Weekend Hussler, the reigning Horse of the Year, is a "great champion and it is hard to see him being beaten".
"But he is stepping up to 1800m for the first time and the opposition is very good," Tripp said. "As a bookie, we are entitled to take on Weekend Hussler at those odds."
The wager is the first bet of that size on an Australian racetrack since Michael Sullivan`s bookmaking firm accepted a similar bet on hot favourite Miss Finland in the AJC Australian Derby last year.
Miss Finland struggled on the heavy track and was beaten out of a place behind Fiumicino.
Sydney`s spring carnival continues at Rosehill Gardens today with the main race, the $150,000 Tea Rose Stakes featuring super filly Samantha Miss.
With the forecast for a fine day and temperatures up to 29C, Sydney Turf Club officials predict another bumper crowd of more than 15,000.
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