Cheltenham punters have put a dent in the profits of bookmakers Ladbrokes, which yesterday warned investors it expected annual operating profit to fall after a poor performance from horse racing and online gaming in the first quarter.

The recent HRI figures didn’t half illustrate the massive decline in activity in the betting ring in Ireland, threatening the very existence of on-course bookmakers down the line.

British betting services giant Ladbrokes has acquired the Dublin-based betting exchange, Betdaq for an initial consideration of €30m.

Betdaq, the Dublin-based betting exchange company established nearly 13 years ago by Dermot Desmond, looks set to be taken over by British bookmaker Ladbrokes in the coming weeks.

Dermot Desmond heads the list of Irish property investors with a personal fortune estimated at €1.7bn, according to trade magazine Estates Gazette’s rich list.

The dreadful weather conditions yesterday made things difficult for some trainers heading for the English Derby at Wimbledon which starts tomorrow night with 11 Irish runners in action in the first session.

OFFICIALLY, gambling is a taboo subject in this country. Betting is a minority pursuit, as only 17% of adults wager more than once a week.

Captain Chris rewarded the smattering of racegoers at Kempton with a performance of genuine substance in the Bet Multiples - Betdaq 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.

Felix de Giles produced Prophete De Guye with clockwork precision to deny 11-4 favourite Laharna in the Bet UEFA Cup - Betdaq Conditionals' Handicap Chase at Southwell.

TIMMY Murphy has escaped serious injury following his fall at Southwell on Tuesday evening.

Tony Culhane and Dean Mernagh are confident they will be cleared of all charges after the Horseracing Regulatory Authority confirmed they will face a disciplinary inquiry.

WHEN Dermot Desmond bought the near-bankrupt London City Airport from the building firm John Mowlem he probably didn’t believe that 11 years later it would net him a profit of a cool €1 billion.

LAST Friday night at Fairyhouse may well mark a watershed in the efforts of on-course bookmakers in Ireland to actually survive in this game.

TIGER WOODS and a whole host of other US Tour players were due at Shannon Airport this morning ahead of the JP McManus pro-am at Adare Manor Golf Hotel and Resort.

Betfair has launched a rescue package for Sporting Options customers facing the loss of their money as a result of the betting exchange firm going into administration yesterday.

LAWYERS acting for Kieren Fallon expect the six-times champion jockey to be cleared of any allegations of race-fixing following his arrest yesterday.

Dublin-based betting exchange company Betdaq are to spread their wings and launch a British arm dedicated to horse racing.