Thirty-five jobs will be lost and 18 shops closed after the directors of Hacketts bookmakers decided to place the business in liquidation.

Fast-improving three-year-old Seventh Sign aims to complete a four-timer in the ultra-competitive Hacketts Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh tomorrow.

John Morrison’s astute purchase Much Acclaimed will sign off for the season in Sunday’s Hacketts Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh.

The elegant, 210-year-old Lotamore House on 14 acres with views of Cork city’s marina was a guesthouse for 20 years. It’s price of €1.3m (it previously sold for €3-4m) reflects the cost of upgrading.

Hacketts Bookmakers are to sponsor the Irish autumn double at the Curragh this year.

Seamus Heffernan took the riding honours at the Curragh with a 389-1 treble on Jupiter Pluvius, Savethisdanceforme and Sandymount Earl.

Jupiter Pluvius looked a bright prospect when making a winning debut at the Curragh.

MORE gamblers are seeking help following the introduction of internet gambling, new casinos and longer opening hours for bookmakers.

THE battle for Limerick’s €80 million gambling market has intensified as the number of betting shops in the city has spiralled to an all time high of 28.