Bookmakers Expect £40m Gold Cup

Britain’s bookmakers are preparing to receive the largest amount ever wagered at the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup – with a predicted betting turnover in excess of £40m.

The Gold Cup showdown between Kauto Star and Denman has stirred up excitement with punters – and the bookmakers, most of whom have billed the race as ‘The Decider’, are expecting large amounts of activity.

‘The Gold Cup is second only to the Grand National when it comes to betting turnover, and the presence of two great champions in Kauto Star and Denman means this year’s renewal will be the biggest Gold Cup ever as far as we’re concerned,’ said Coral’s David Stevens.

Reigning champion Kauto Star will be ridden by the leading Cheltenham Festival jockey Ruby Walsh and is odds-on favourite to complete a hat-trick of Gold Cup wins.

2008 winner Denman will be ridden by champion jockey Tony McCoy and is the second favourite with bookmakers Coral.

Kauto Star is currently priced with Corals at 8/13 whilst Denman is 4/1.