Winners cost Paddy dear

Paddy Power Plc, Ireland's largest bookmaker, lowered its annual profit forecast after customers placed winning bets on Irish golfer Padraig Harrington (left) and on the results of games in soccer's European championships.

Operating profit for the year will be about 75 million euros, the Dublin-based company said yesterday in a statement, less than its previous forecast of 82 million euros.

First-half net income increased 18 percent to 41.9 million euros, boosted by a tax refund, it said.