A landmark study has found that punters who bet on backmarkers are rated significantly more attractive than those who back on-pace runners.

Researchers from The Palacio De Cristal Institute paired participants for three-minute speed dates, assigning matches according to betting records. Swooper backers were consistently described as “mysterious”, “magnetic” and “exuding aura”.

Those who favoured betting on frontrunners, on the other hand, were described as “nice”, “reliable” and “a bit safe”.

81 per cent of participants also found swooper backers to be “more sexually desirable”, compared with just 14 per cent who experienced arousal when paired with students of the speed map.

The Pakistan Star understands that one male participant arrived late, said very little, and then promptly left the table to back Curran in a race devoid of speed.

Seven women have since requested the man’s number.

More to follow.