Irish gambler Barney Curley hits the bookies for €18 million in spectacular four horse bet

Bookmakers were battered for an estimated €18.3m yesterday thanks to a horse racing coup. Four horses priced as outsiders before their races were heavily backed by punters. Each of the winners was linked to Irish gambler and former trainer Barney Curley. The British Horseracing Authority will investigate the circumstances surrounding the coup and the horses' trainer.   The horse trainer declined to comment. Henry Willis, a London gamblar, said it was the best day of his life wagering on the horse. He followed Barney for decades. Mr Curly has not commented on this.