£20M GOLD RUSH
£35k a second wagered on big race
PUNTERS are set to stake a massive £20million on the Gold Cup today as the Cheltenham Festival comes to a roaring climax.
More than 70,000 race-goers are expected to attend the final day and wager an incredible £35,000 per second.
The Gold Cup is second only to the Grand National as the year’s biggest betting day.
Might Bite and Native River are 4/1 joint-favourites. Last year’s runner-up Minella Rocco, also races.
Nicola McGeady, of Ladbrokes, said: “The Gold Cup is the pinnacle of the festival, with a staggering amount set to be gambled across the nation. Given the conditions, Native River has taken over from Might Bite as our nightmare result.” Nearly half a million punters have attended the four-day festival, including famous faces from royalty to reality TV stars. Yesterday Rod Stewart, 73, arrived in true rock and roll style via helicopter. He and wife Penny Lancaster, who was celebrating her 46th birthday, may even have bagged themselves a winner as they jumped about excitedly in their private box during an early race. But they were by no means the only spectators in the party spirit as hundreds have dressed up in Irish-themed outfits ahead of St Patrick’s Day tomorrow.
More than 300,000 pints of Guinness have been sunk.
One Irishman enjoying good luck on day three was tycoon Michael O’Leary, who scooped £340,000 as three of his horses won – including in the Ryanair Chase, which is sponsored by his own budget airline.
Not everyone was happy for him. One wag tweeted: “I’m delighted to see Michael O’ Leary winning, he needs the few quid the poor devil.”
Other celebs spotted yesterday included Pride of Britain host Carol Vorderman, model Katie Price and golfer Lee Westwood, who was with girlfriend Helen Storey.