LUKE HUMPHRIES admitted he had “a lot riding” on a losing horse as he enjoyed a day off at the Cheltenham Festival.
Cool Hand Luke, 31, swapped the oche for the odds as he soaked up the atmosphere at racing’s biggest week alongside rivals and pals Luke Littler and Nathan Aspinall.
One of Humphries’ picks failed to come through, but he insisted the day was more about enjoying the occasion than worrying about the result.
The World No.2 added: “I’m good. I’ve been busy but it’s nice to have a day out and enjoy myself here.
“As long as you are being busy and working hard, usually the rewards pay off so I am happy with that.
“I would have been if Kopek would have won. I had a lot riding on that one. But unfortunately it didn’t come in.
“I am not too far down. It’s not about the betting for me, it’s about the enjoyment and having fun.
“Being a part of a global event that everyone loves. As much as it has been my day, there are two races to go.”
Humphries won the world title in 2024 and had a memorable day showing off the Sid Waddell Trophy to Leeds fans shortly after.
In a chat with fellow Leeds fan Emma Louise Jones on Racing TV, he said: “Hopefully you will see me in Leeds in January with the World Championship trophy again.
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“The last two years I haven’t quite lived up to the billing. One thing I would love to do is parade that trophy around Elland Road again.
“I would love that again. So hopefully I can pick up a few trophies before then and win the Worlds.
“It was very surreal. It was a moment you would only dream of. In a weird way it is more special than winning the World Championships because I felt like I was having a homecoming.
“I have a good relationship with Leeds and the fans. They are really good to me so I would love to experience that one more time.”
Defending champ Humphries is stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League table after a low key opening five weeks. He next faces bogey player Gian van Veen in Nottingham on Thursday night.
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