Kauto set to be most expensive horse in history for bookies

A Kauto Star win in the Cheltenham Gold Cup would seal his position as the horse that has cost more money to bookies than any other in history.

If the record-breaking horse wins his third Gold Cup Ladbrokes reckon his career will have cost the betting industry upwards of £100 million.

The Gold Cup itself is worth £50 million in bets and is second only to the Grand National in triggering a punting frenzy.

Kauto Star is the 4/1 second favourite behind defending champion Long Run (6/4) and the bookies reckon over half of that amount will be bet on the two big rivals.

David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “Kauto Star stands on the brink of history.

“He has clobbered us a few times and, if he wins the Gold Cup, he will have cost the bookies over £100m throughout his career.

“If they erect a statue to Kauto Star they shouldn't ask us to fund it.”