England suffered World Cup heartbreak today in a controversial but crushing 4-1 defeat to old rivals Germany today.

BRITISH bookmakers expect political punters to stake £25 million on the outcome of today’s election.

Harry Redknapp last night dismissed talk that he was about to leave Tottenham as “absolute rubbish”.

A leading bookmaker will consider abandoning betting on certain football matches next season if it is alerted to suspicious betting patterns, a spokesman said today.

IRISH writer Joseph O’Neill was last night mentioned as one of the favourites to win this year’s prestigious Man Booker Prize.

Irish writer Joseph O’Neill was tonight installed as one of the favourites to win this year’s prestigious Man Booker Prize.

The mystery Englishman who scooped a maximum payout of £1m (€1.3m) after placing an audacious 50p bet with William Hill on Friday has yet to make arrangements for the payment.

SENATOR Hillary Clinton has become the favourite to win the US presidency after picking up support in Super Tuesday primaries yesterday, bookmakers said.

Formula One sensation Lewis Hamilton delighted his home fans at Silverstone today when he claimed pole position for tomorrow’s British Grand Prix.

Bookies have slashed ET’s odds after scientists announced the discovery of a new Earth-like planet that may harbour life.

Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke has emerged as the bookies' favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for 2006.

GORDON BROWN is the bookmakers’ hot favourite to take over from Tony Blair as prime minister — but he should be worried that his odds have lengthened, bookies have said.

Celebrity Big Brother housemate Jodie Marsh tapped into her spiritual side today when she joined a fellow contestant for some Buddhist chanting.

THE Grand National is to start 25 minutes later on Saturday because of Britain’s royal wedding.

Snow is forecast to fall across parts of the UK tomorrow, as bookmakers brace themselves to pay out up to £1m (€1.41m) to punters who backed a White Christmas.

John Lydon has become an even hotter favourite to win I'm A Celebrity following his day smoothing over tensions as camp leader.

Bookmakers William Hill say they have no plans to open a book on Glenn Hoddle's successor at Spurs - just yet.

Bernhard Langer is now odds-on to become Europe’s next Ryder Cup captain.

Will it be number one? Davina, a bubbly brunette with plenty of experience hosting live TV shows including Popstars and Big Brother.

One True Voice have been made the red-hot favourites to be this year's UK Christmas number one.

Booker Prize winner Yann Martel today described his win as “like winning the lottery”.

THE FAI will look for substantial compensation, maybe as much as €1m, from Sunderland if they move to appoint Mick McCarthy as successor to Peter Reid.

William Hill say Martin O'Neill is 8/15 favourite to take over as Leeds manager.

Alex, Alison and Sandy were today nominated for eviction from the Big Brother house as bookmakers slashed odds on Spencer to win the £70,000 (€108,665) prize.

Bookmakers have little sympathy for any punters who lost money backing Rubens Barrichello to win in yesterday’s farce at the Austrian Grand Prix.

England captain David Beckham today thanked the thousands of well-wishers who are praying his broken foot mends in record time.

Bookmakers William Hill says customers are backing the Beckhams to have a baby girl.

Bookmakers have suspended betting on the Whitbread Book Of The Year after a flood of bets for the children's entry - before anyone even knows which novel is in the running.

Ken Clarke tonight flew into the lead as odds-on favourite to win the Tory leadership race.

Tennis fans in England were eagerly awaiting the start of Wimbledon today, with high hopes of serving up some British success.

Bookmakers were generally happy after Red Marauder won a thrilling renewal of the Martell Grand National.

Punters are expected to indulge in a betting frenzy this weekend with £100 million riding on the outcome of the Grand National and other sporting events.

British bookies William Hill are planning to take bets on goldfish racing.