Irish punters will bet €80-€100m

IRISH punters will wager between €80 million and €100 million in betting offices over the three days of the Cheltenham racing festival, which starts today.

And the 50,000 plus travelling army who will make their way to Prestbury Park will bring with them the biggest ever influx of euro cash into Britain since the introduction of the new currency just over 12 months ago. Punters will be able to bet in either sterling or euro punts with most operators on the course.

Paddy Powers finance director Ross Ivers said Irish punters will be able to freephone their bets from the course if necessary.