It's the biggest race of the Cheltenham Festival, and this year's Gold Cup promises to be even more special than usual, as the Queen has her first ever runner in the Blue Riband event. Her Majesty's Barbers Shop has already been backed down from 40-1 to 14-1 at Ladbrokes, and if the seven-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, does become the first Royal winner of the Gold Cup, bookmakers could face a £10 million pound payout to patriotic punters.
"The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest betting week of the year, and the Gold Cup is the most important race run over the four days, but the presence of the Queen's first runner in the race will ensure even greater interest than usual in this year's renewal," said Coral's David Stevens.
"It's already been a great festival for punters, with a host of well-backed favourites winning, and a win for Barbers Shop would complete a miserable few days for the bookies, although I imagine we would pay out with a smile, rather than risk a spell in the Tower!" added Stevens.
Get a £200 free bet on the Gold Cup at Ladbrokes