Kentucky Derby Disaster: Rec Bettor Denied $609K Win

Holding the winning tickets of a $40 trifecta wager that paid $459,024 and a $100 exacta that paid $150,480 on the 2019 Kentucky Derby was like a dream come true for a Reno gambler - until that dream became a nightmare.

Steve Friedlander, a 53-year-old ophthalmologist who describes himself as a casual sports bettor, possesses both of those tickets but was informed that caps put in place put the value of his wagers at a combined $35,000.

The reason? The William Hill race and sportsbook at Tamarack Junction in Reno where the good doctor placed the bets is a non pari-mutuel wagering location. There are signs on the wall stating as much, meaning that Friedlander is SOL and the victim of a $574,000 bad beat.

William Hill does have more than a dozen pari-mutuel wagering locations throughout the Silver State. Tamarack Junction isn't one of them.

A William Hill rep said this about the issue:

"The capping of booked race payouts has been industry standard for decades and allows race books to book without taking on unlimited liability, which no one would want to do.”

Readers may recall that the Derby was controversial for another reason. The favored horse, Maximum Security, was disqualified for interference, allowing 65-1 longshot Country House to win the roses. The ophthalmologist included the horse in his exotic bets because his fiancee is named Monica House.

Friedlander, who has live poker tournament winnings of more than $420,000, including a $230,740 score for a 6th place finish at the 2010 Aussie Millions, has appealed the matter to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

A decision is expected within 45 days.