Ladbrokes Lamped

A disastrous 48 hours for got worse for Ladbrokes last night after Frank Lampard rubbed salt in the wounds at Britain's biggest bookies.

The Magic Sign took two hits on the chin when the favourites romped home in the weekend's big horse races.

And the hat-trick was completed when the England midfielder helped the Premier League Champions to a 4-1 victory at Anfield.

The result cost the firm up to £100,000 - but it was nothing in comparison to Lampard in the first goal scorer market which was anything up to three times worse.

One internet punter had £20,000 on the former West Ham United player alone.

Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "Bearing in mind the favourites won the Cambridgeshire and the Arc it's probably fair to say we've not have the best weekend in recent history.

"Given the tripe the two teams served up in the Champions League in mid-week the early money came for another bore draw. Chelsea backers then had a good nibble at them at 11/10.

"Yet the damage was done by a certain Mr Lampard who was heavily backed in shops from London to Londonderry. He's now off the Christmas card list."

Ladbrokes are still betting on the Premier League, with Chelsea now 1/9 from 1/5.

LATEST BETTING:

Premiership 2005/06

Chelsea 1/9
Man Utd 6/1
Arsenal 12/1