Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting - Bookmaker Faces £40 Million Showdown

A forty million pound betting bonanza is on the cards ahead of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, according to English bookmaker Ladbrokes. The bookies are expecting a record-breaking climax to the racing Festival as stablemates Kauto Star and Denman prepare to go head-to-head in the big race of the week.

The fierce rivalry has divided opinion - and prompted a third successive year of mammoth punting.

David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "Betting at the Festival has once again gone through the roof and the Gold Cup clash will see a multi-million pound frenzy."

"We're used to seeing big money at the Festival but the Kauto versus Denman clash could send us into meltdown. We're only glad they both can't win!"

Bookies enjoyed a good start to the Festival but a win for Kauto Star could yet burst the bookmaker's bubble.

"Kauto Star is the horse we fear. He has a public following that transcends racing. If he climbs the famous Cheltenham Hill and races to victory we could end up handing back all the money we collected earlier in the week", Williams added.

Latest Betting Odds - Cheltenham Gold Cup

4/6 Kauto Star, 4/1 Denman, 8/1 Cooldine, 8/1 Imperial Commander, 14/1 Tricky Trickster,50/1 Carruthers, 66/1 Calgary Bay