Gold Cup punters set to smash betting record

Cheltenham Festival is set to go out on a record-breaking high today after one of the most turbulent racing weeks in recent history.

After severe weather forced senior staff to abandon racing for the first time in 30 years, many racegoers were left disappointed by this year’s world-famous Gold Cup festival.

But bookmakers believe the event’s climax at Prestbury Park will be a day at the races to remember – with betting set to break British records.

Ladbrokes believe £300m (€390m) will be wagered on the final day, dwarfing last year’s mark of £255m (€332m) on the Grand National at Aintree.

A clash-of-the-Titans show is expected in the week’s highlight race – the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase – between stablemates Kauto Star and Denman.

David Williams, of Ladbrokes, said: “It will be the biggest day in the history of betting. We fully expect it to smash Grand National records.

“Festival punters are the toughest around. They’ve spent the day licking their wounds and building up enormous ammunition for a massive tilt at the bookies.”

The Gold Cup race will force trainer Paul Nicholls to divide his loyalties as he works with both Gold Cup favourites Kauto Star and Denman.

The two thoroughbreds live next door to each other in boxes one and two at his yard in Somerset.