Shock Clinton victory blows race wide open

US Politics / Mike Robb / 09 January 2008 / Leave a Comment

Hilary Clinton was matched at a top price of 250 (249-1) for £3.25 as she came back from the dead in the race for the Democrat nomination last night amidst wild betting movements on Betfair's New Hampshire primary market.

Chief rival Barack Obama was considered such a sure thing in the New Hampshire contest that more than £6,944 was matched on him at the exchange's minimum price of 1.01 (1-100). In the outright nomination market more than £13,500 was traded on Obama at prices of 1.4 and down.

Clinton is now back on track to follow husband Bill as the Democrats' chosen candidate to race for presidency, she heads the market there and trades at 1.62 (8-13).

Betfair spokesman Mike Robb: "The contest to become the Democratic nominee has proved a topsy-turvy affair with Clinton and Obama both taking turns as favourite. The widely-expected Obama victory in New Hampshire did not materialise and the battle between the two is now anyone's call."

In the Republican race John McCain has become 15-8 favourite to win his party's nomination after landing the New Hampshire primary. The McCain campaign at one point looked as though it was close to folding but the all-or-nothing New Hampshire strategy that resulted in victory has propelled him ahead of Rudy Giuliani, who remains in second place at 5-2.

Mike Robb added, "John McCain has come from nowhere to lead the Republican field, but whether or not he can maintain the momentum remains to be seen.

At this stage it is all to play for in the Republican contest and all eyes will be on Michigan next Tuesday."