WHEN five workmen returned to a bookies to claim their Grand National winnings, they thought they would be leaving thousands of pounds richer.

But they were shocked to be told a mistake by the shop staff had meant the bet had been changed, resulting in no pay-out.

They say they have missed out on thousands a large amount of cash.

The five turned up at the Coral shop in Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, to collect their money on Saturday only to find the bet had been changed after the race had finished.

Police were called by the shop when a row erupted between the punters and the staff.

The manager confirmed to an officer that a 16-1 bet on 'eight horses or more to fall during the race’ had been amended to include the phrase 'at the first fence’.

The men’s betting slips made no mention of that and the five say they should have picked up £4,500 between them.

A Coral spokesman said: “We do not have to pay out based on what is advertised in an individual shop.

“We do sympathise with the men and have offered to repay the original bets.”

Gary Spacey placed a £100 bet and stood to win £1,600.

He said: “This is not what you expect from a company like Coral. They seem to have a licence to do what they like.”

The men say when they confronted the shop manager he admitted to them a “mistake” had been made but refused to pay out.

Another of the five punters, Paul Baker, said: “I had no idea a bookmakers could do this.

“Two of our group only bet once a year and they are gutted. The manager admitted the bet had been changed due to an error.

“We want Coral to pay out fully on the bets and we are prepared to fight this all the way.”

One of the men is considering suing Coral.

They are also planning to take the case to the Independent Betting Arbitration Service and Jockey Club.

A Coral spokesman said the correction was made after a “palpable error at an individual store.”

He said: “It was an error in communication at the shop.

“That particular bet was fixed across our shops and on-line prior to the race. Bets are not recoverable in law.”

There is no regulatory body for betting in this country at present but it is being considered as part of a proposed Gambling Bill.

The only option for punters with a complaint is the Independent Betting Arbitration Service who mediate any dispute. For more information visit www.ibas-uk.co.uk