Betting Marc

Denise Coates Takes Pay Cut as Bet365 Profits Surge in 2024

Denise Coates, joint CEO of betting giant Bet365, has seen her pay package significantly reduced in the financial year ending March 2024. However, the company recorded a remarkable increase in revenues and profits, cementing its position as a dominant force in the gambling industry.

Key Highlights from Bet365’s Financial Report
1. Denise Coates’ Reduced Salary
• Coates’ salary fell to £94.7 million, a sharp drop from £220.7m in 2023.
• Including her share of a £110m dividend, her total pay is estimated at around £150m, compared to £270m the previous year.
2. Revenue and Profit Growth
• Bet365’s revenue rose by 9% to £3.7 billion, driven by an 11% increase in sports revenue, despite the absence of a major football tournament.
• Operating profit soared to £396.6m, a dramatic turnaround from a £24.5m loss in 2023.
• Profit before tax hit £626.6m, up from a loss of £60.2m the previous year.
3. Expansion and Growth
• The company credited its success to an additional week of trading and its expansion into newly regulated US states.
• Employee numbers grew to 9,145, up from 7,567 in the previous year.
4. Charitable Contributions
• Bet365 made £127m in charitable contributions, with £120m directed to the Denise Coates Foundation.
5. Stoke City Football Club
• During the financial period, Stoke City FC, owned by Bet365, recorded a loss of £30.3m. The club has since been demerged, with John Coates now owning the controlling stake.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Industry Impact

Bet365 continues to cooperate with an investigation by Australia’s Austrac over compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. Despite the company’s financial success, analysts at Regulus Partners expressed disappointment, citing lower-than-expected growth compared to other online gambling markets.

Why Bet365 Matters for Punters

As one of the most influential betting platforms globally, Bet365 remains a popular choice for horse racing tipsters, professional gamblers, and recreational punters. Its robust market offerings, particularly in Cheltenham Festival betting, are a significant draw.



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Incredible Scenes at Catterick as Amateur Jockey Shay Halton Steals the Show 🏇🔥

Amateur jockey Shay Halton delivered a daring front-running ride on Be The Difference, securing a sensational victory in the 3m1½f handicap hurdle at Catterick. Despite being 13/2, the Phil Kirby-trained eight-year-old defied expectations with a gutsy performance that left rivals scrambling.

How the Race Unfolded

🏇 Early Lead: Halton sent Be The Difference to the front at the fifth hurdle and soon built a 30-length lead, leaving the rest of the field struggling.

🔄 Closing Challenge: His advantage shrank dramatically after the last hurdle, but Halton’s quick thinking and a well-timed push ensured a 1½-length victory over Copper Beach (17/2).

Trainer Reaction: A Ride to Remember

Winning trainer Phil Kirby praised Halton’s bold tactics:

“Shay rides him every day at home, so we thought he deserved this chance. He wasn’t going that fast—it turns out they’ve gifted him the race!”

Halton’s Rapid Rise 🌟

At 19 years old, this was Halton’s first jumps win from just his second ride over hurdles. Having already secured two point-to-point victories earlier this year, his star is clearly on the rise:

“He’s worked hard since leaving school, and it’s fantastic to see him get this result,” added Kirby.

Race Inquiry Results

An inquiry was held into the tactics of the chasing riders, who believed Halton’s pace was “unsustainable” over the long trip. However, no further action was taken as the winner proved unstoppable.

Follow for More Winning Horse Racing Tips 🏆

Stay tuned for expert horse racing tips, updates on rising stars, and the latest from the UK’s best horse racing tipster service. Could Shay Halton be a name to watch this season?

Stumptown Shines in Cross-Country Win at Cheltenham 🏇🔥

Stumptown, trained by Gavin Cromwell, secured an impressive victory in the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse, solidifying his status as a key contender for the Cheltenham Festival 2025 Cross Country Chase.

Ridden with ice-cool precision by Keith Donoghue, the seven-year-old delivered a power-packed finish, holding off Nico de Boinville on Mister Coffey by a length. This marked Stumptown’s third consecutive win, prompting bookmakers to cut his odds to 3-1 favourite (from 5-1) for the festival’s Cross Country Chase on March 12.

Trainer’s Reaction: A New Lease of Life

Cromwell, who boasts a strong record at Cheltenham, was thrilled with Stumptown’s dominant performance:

“It was a terrific run. He took to the unique course brilliantly. This cross-country discipline has brought a whole new lease of life into him.”

The Irish trainer credited Donoghue’s expertise:

“Having Keith on board is a huge asset. He knows how to get the best out of these horses.”

Festival and Grand National Targets 🎯

Stumptown’s win has cemented his place at the top of the Cheltenham Festival betting markets. His connections are also eyeing the Grand National 2025, with his odds slashed to 40-1 (from 66-1).

Cromwell hinted at a potential double engagement:

“Aintree is definitely on the radar after Cheltenham.”

Future Stars in the Making

Cromwell also praised stablemate Vanillier, who finished ninth and could return to Cheltenham in March:

“He enjoyed the experience and might come back for the Cross Country.”

Looking Ahead to Cheltenham Festival 2025 🏆

With Stumptown now firmly established as a Cheltenham Festival 2025 favourite, all eyes are on his next run. Follow for horse racing tips, betting insights, and updates on the Cheltenham Festival build-up.

Is Chianti Classico Britain’s Next Gold Cup Star? 🏇

Trainer Kim Bailey believes his rising star Chianti Classico could emerge as a genuine Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup contender if he triumphs in the Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Handicap Chase at Cheltenham this Friday. Victory could see his 40-1 ante-post odds for the Gold Cup slashed as Bailey eyes top-level targets.

A Major Test on the Road to Cheltenham

Originally slated for the Becher Chase at Aintree, Chianti Classico’s plans were disrupted by Storm Darragh’s high winds. Now, the seven-year-old will carry top weight at Cheltenham in a bid to prove himself ready for Grade 1 company.

Kim Bailey: “If he wins, we’ll have to think bigger. He’s about 8-9lb away from being a Grade 1 horse. If he gets beaten, we’ll target the Grand National—but if he wins, the Denman Chase and Cotswold Chase come into play.”

In-Form Contenders for Cheltenham Glory

Chianti Classico has already won eight of his 13 starts, including an impressive win under 12st at Ascot. Now, with Ciaran Gethings taking the reins in place of Tom Bellamy, Bailey is optimistic about another strong run.

Bailey added: “He schooled brilliantly with Ciaran, and we’re lucky to get this race after missing Aintree.”

Cheltenham Festival 2025 Insights

Chianti Classico will face a competitive field featuring King Turgeon, Java Point, and Ballygrifincottage. A strong performance could secure his spot among Cheltenham Festival betting favourites.

Stable Stars in Action This Weekend

Bailey also sends promising runners to Cheltenham and Doncaster:
• Clondaw General heads to the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2), looking to maintain his unbeaten record.
• Destroytheevidence, runner-up last time at Newbury, tackles a tough novice handicap chase.
• Does He Know bids for another victory in a £50,000 handicap chase at Doncaster after his Grimthorpe Chase success.

“I’m pleased with how the team is shaping up,” Bailey concluded. “The next few days will be exciting.”

Giavellotto Storms to Victory in the £2.4 Million Hong Kong Vase Under Oisin Murphy 🏇

Marco Botti’s five-year-old stayer Giavellotto delivered a career-best performance to capture the Longines Hong Kong Vase, earning his first Group 1 victory and becoming the first British-trained winner of the race in 12 years. Under a masterful ride from Oisin Murphy, Giavellotto powered clear in the final furlong, defeating fellow British contender Dubai Honour by two and a half lengths.

Perfect Ride in a High-Stakes Race

Despite encountering trouble when La City Blanche cut him off at the turn, Murphy remained composed. He waited patiently before unleashing Giavellotto’s explosive turn of foot in the home straight. Reflecting on the ride, Murphy said:

“It was all very comfortable until the turn when I had to wait. But when I got some racing room, he was explosive. Winning like that in a Group 1 is special.”

The performance capped a remarkable season for Giavellotto, who also secured Group 2 wins at York and Newmarket, plus a strong third behind Kyprios in the Irish St Leger.

Botti Praises Murphy’s Winning Strategy

Trainer Marco Botti credited Murphy for identifying the Hong Kong Vase as a target after the Irish St Leger:

“Credit to Oisin—after the Curragh, he immediately suggested coming here, and it paid off. He’s matured into a world-class stayer and loves travelling.”

It was Botti’s first top-level win since Capla Temptress landed the Natalma Stakes in 2017.

Other Hong Kong Racing Highlights

Ka Ying Rising extended his winning streak to eight victories by taking the Hong Kong Sprint under Zac Purton, despite being less dominant than usual. Purton commented:

“He wasn’t at his best but still got the job done.”

Meanwhile, Starlust, trained by Ralph Beckett, struggled over the six-furlong trip and finished 13th. Jockey Rossa Ryan hinted at a return to shorter distances:

“He’s better suited to five furlongs where the pace is faster.”

Looking Ahead: Hong Kong Racing Insights

The success of Giavellotto and Dubai Honour highlights the growing international significance of Hong Kong racing. As fans look ahead to upcoming fixtures at Happy Valley and Sha Tin, stay tuned for the latest Hong Kong racing tips and horse racing insights.