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TheAnorak
13 Mar 23 12:52
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Date Joined: 28 Oct 01
| Topic/replies: 4,501 | Blogger: TheAnorak's blog
The article itself is of little interest, talking about the growth of the event and the size of the financial boost to the local economy. But it includes a picture that is supposed to indicate how betting remains at the heart of the Festival:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2023/mar/13/fan-village-setback-does-little-to-dent-cheltenhams-place-as-marquee-event

The picture was taken before a six runner race in December 1998 !! I suspect some of the people depicted are no longer with us ....
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Report longbridge March 13, 2023 12:17 PM GMT
There's a good quote near the end of the piece:

"The Festival is also the best chance that racing gets all year to draw a clear line between betting – where thought and effort can be rewarded, and the bookies occasionally beaten – and the mindless, fixed-margin gaming, on slots and casino games, that simply drains away a punters’ money, bit-by-bit."

But yes, that photograph of the betting ring is a blast from the past indeed.
Report leif March 13, 2023 12:22 PM GMT
"the four days at Cheltenham this week will account for more than half of the top 50 individual races annually when ranked by betting turnover."

Bit worrying then that 'triggers' may be activated this week when Joe Punter starts betting more than he normally does, as is the nature of the Festival highlighted above.
Report leif March 13, 2023 12:25 PM GMT
I'll have £200 on Lady Rebecca at bottle with Ricky at the frontMischief
Report sixtwosix March 13, 2023 12:34 PM GMT
The bookies now full well the only spikes in gambling activity all year on horse racing are Tuesday to Friday this week and April 15th.

The could choose to pause the algorithm checks on those days.......it will only be IT processes .......but they won't.
Report Movewiththetimes March 13, 2023 12:41 PM GMT
TheAnorak- Just looked at attendance for that meeting on the site you gave us(thanks cracking site) and figures surprised me.

Sat    12/12/1998    CHELTENHAM    8,744    87    40    Jump

Sat    11/12/2021    CHELTENHAM    12,326    72    57

Other two figures are bookmakers and runners.

Was abandoned last year.
Report howard March 13, 2023 2:14 PM GMT
It does show how out of touch newspaper articles can be. If they had  used a photo from the early 20th century it would be little different albeit b&w
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