William Hill Planning to Introduce Self-Serving Betting

WILLIAM HILL are planning to introduce self-serving betting terminals and will also ensure all employees are paid the national living wage from April 1, as the bookmaker unveiled their full-year results for 2015.

In a trading statement last month the firm revealed a 22 per cent drop in operating profits to £291.4 million for the 52 weeks ended December 29 2015, compared to £372.2m for the same period in 2014.

This was largely due to the introduction of the point of consumption tax introduced by the government in 2015.

Overall net revenue was down one per cent, but the company believe they are now in a good position for 2016, and announced a £200m share buyback, as well as raising their share dividend 2.5 per cent to 12.5 pence.

Good international growth.

The Australian arm of the brand performed well at the end of 2015, and that has continued into the new year. The betting app is one of the highest-rated in the country, and during the William Hill-backed Australian Open, around 1,000 new customers were acquired each day, leading to a 680 per cent increase on tennis in-play betting.

A self-service betting terminal is due to be introduced in shops during the first half of 2016 as part of William Hill's omni-channel approach, and from April 1, all employees will be paid the government's national living wage of £7.20.

The wage has been extended voluntarily to all employees between 18-25 as well as those over 25, and is expected to benefit around 4,500 of the 12,500 William Hill UK retail employees.

Commenting on the results, William Hill chief executive James Henderson said: "In the last 12 months we have made substantial operational progress against our three strategic priorities of omni-channel, technology and international.

"As one of the largest scale businesses in gambling, the board is confident in the outlook for the year ahead and believes the group is well placed to deliver on its growth strategy." 

At 9.15am on Friday, William Hill's share price had fallen 0.85 per cent to 398.30 pence.

3:20 Cheltenham (11th March) STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY GRADE 1

The Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy. This Grade 1 race, run over a distance of 2m 110y, on good to soft going, is open to horses aged four years and older, the youngest to take part this year is five, with old timer Captain Cee Bee, seemingly making up the numbers at the age of thirteen. This is a fantastic race for punters looking for free bets and enhanced offers, so don't miss out, especially if opening a new account with top bookmaker William Hill.  

Notable victories of this race include inaugural winner Blaris (1927), Istabraq (2000) and last triple winner & legendary Dawn Run (1984). Only the second mare to taste victory in this contest, going on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup (1986). The only horse to complete this notable double. Last year's winner Hurricane Fly, trained by Willie Mullins, was the first horse in 38 years to reclaim the Champion Hurdle after denying old adversary Rock On Ruby, who heads for the Arkle Chase. This bay gelding, a son of Montjeu, shades favouritism. Hurricane Fly is a true talent, winning 21 of his 24 races over hurdles, achieving prize money of over £1.6 m.

Experience tells Hurricane Fly will take all the beating here.  

His main opposition include hot fancy The New One. Nigel Twiston-Davies son of King's Theatre sits at the head of the betting with the Mullin's-trained talent, and may even go off favourite (unlikely). 

He is closely matched with My Tent Or Yours on their recent running at Kempton over 2m when the later blundered at the last, his jockey losing an iron, before a narrow half-length loss. The pair were closely matched in the betting that day there is likely to be very little between them today. 

Jezki is a fine young horse but looks held by Hurricane Fly and My Tent Or Yours. Mrs John Harrington has opted for the hood first time in an effort to garner a fraction more ability.

Our Conor, a five year old gelding, has struggled to contend with Hurricane Fly on their last two meeting, but in truth has done exceptionally well competing against older, stronger talents this season. Few could forget his impressive victory in last year's JCB Triumph Hurdle. Dessie Hughes' runner made a big impact that day and loved every inch of Cheltenham. This son of Jeremy, will have many punters thinking Prestbury Park could bring this horse on a few pounds and pose a serious threat. 

Melodic Rendezvous, Ptit Zig, Captain Cee Bee & Grumeti will need to have lady luck on their side to figure here.

Conclusion: A truly fascinating race. Hurricane Fly is definitely the horse to beat. A winner in this race on two of his three starts affirms that the Willie Mullins team may taste victory today. Ruby Walsh has been very critical of himself suggesting he still hasn't ridden this horse to his best at Cheltenham. If that is true, he must be stiff competition. Walsh will be at pains to get it right this year and something tells me he will. Hurricane Fly is the tip selection, while Our Conor is worth a small each way saver as this course looks made for this youngster. 

Your Guide to Betting at the Cheltenham 2014 Festival

Popular online bookies’ William Hill have given us the lowdown on what’s hot and what’s not in the build-up to the with a wide range of Ante-post betting markets to choose from.

Ante-post betting can prove a double-edged sword; it’s benefits are obvious – you generally get a much better price if you back a Cheltenham Festival 2014 horse months before the event, before his price is eased towards the day of the race. On the flip side, if the horse is withdrawn from the race, your bet is deemed a losing bet, so wise judgement is required before delving into the ante-post market at Cheltenham in particular – there’s a lot of great value to be found, yet many of the race cards are still undecided, prior to the declarations being made. So with that in mind, we’d hate to outline the hope without explaining the rules of the game, here’s our early picks, or tips if you like, for the 2014 Cheltenham betting:

Supreme Novices Hurdle (March 11th) – We are looking at Irvine to go well here. 

Arkle Chase (March 11th) – Take a look at the prices for Trifolium. Definite each way claims.  

ChampionHurdle (March 11th) – Some great performances in this race suggest Hurricane Flyer 

OLBG David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle (March 11th) – Quevega is hotly tipped around these parts 

Neptune Investment Novices Hurdle (March 12th) – We like the look of the much fancied Faugheen 

Queen Mother Champion Chase (March 12th) – Captain Conon....just about enough meat on the bone for an each way bet.    

2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup (March 14th) – Remember William Hill are going NON RUNNER MONEY BACK. Bobs Worth is receiving some excellent backing on the exchanges, and great bet with William Hill, whist Last Instalment looks decent each way value.  Triolo D'Alene is worth an outside flutter. 

Whoever you go for this March, whether you back ‘em Ante-post or No Runner No Bet, a little closer to the festival, we wish you all the best of luck! Please feel free to drop us a line to let us know your tips for the 2014 Cheltenham Festival.  

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1:25 Doncaster (Friday, 22nd March) Free Horse Racing Tips

William Hill Download The App Brocklesby Conditions Stakes over 5f on soft ground (heavy in places). It's great to be back with the first two-year-old contest of the Flat turf season. Seventeen juveniles take part from twenty three declared at the first entry stage. Four fillies take on a field of colts/geldings, a mix of trainers of varying standards.  

This race has lost a little of its lustre in recent years but many a good horse has started its career in this event. Jack Berry's Mind Games & more recently Hearts Of Fire - trained by Pat Eddery - won before going on to achieve Black Type, the latter winning at Group 1. Exceptional talents, and reason why this race deserves credit. 

So what are we to make of this year's contest? Firstly, the weather could play its part with an 8am inspection. Snow is forecast for the weekend, especially Saturday's card. Fingers cross racing  goes ahead. There is likely to be a few non runners so it could pay to bet late if having a wager. 

Testing ground may have a significant impact on the traditional high draw advantage and this could prove problematic if the field split in two groups. 

Few trainers come close to Richard Fahey. With well over 70 juveniles at Mews House, if this is one of his better early runners it would take all the beating. Interestingly, this stable have almost an equal win rate with their fancied juveniles on both first and second start, which is an exceptionally rare occurrence.  Very few trainers feature a win rate anywhere near those of horses on their second start.

Lord Clyde is a chestnut son of Sakhee's Secret out of a winning mare who was owned by the Queen (same breeder) and very much a sprinter. This April foal was purchased for 28,000gns but sold for 15,000gns as a yearling. It's good to see Hanagan taking the ride, and if there isn't an adverse draw bias, being just off the rail could prove positive. One of the more interesting horses in the field.

One trainer who cannot be ignore in the Brocklesby is Bill Turner. He has an outstanding record in this race and he generally sends one of his better - if not best - two-year-old to compete. Mick's Yer Man cost £21,000 at the yearling sales and owned by Turner's daughter, who struck gold last season when selling Judy In Disguise, who won her first two starts, to Eclipse Thoroughbred Partnership. This son of Bahamian Bounty has just turned two, out of an unraced mare. Turner is a dab hand at training juveniles and using his apprentice [grandson] to take off a valuable 7lb could be a wise move in these testing conditions. Surprisingly, the stable do not attain a very good strike rate with their debutantes but this race has been a happy hunting ground. The stable have around twenty juveniles in their string, which is a marked increase on last year.  Ryan While is a talented jockey and a high draw will mean they can run just off the rail. This bay colt is likely to run up with the pace and if past performances are a good guide this colt must have each way claims.

*Sleepy Joe hails from another powerhouse of a stable. Mick Channon's bay colt cost £25,000 as a yearling. The trainer has had rather indifferent results in this race and I would use the betting as the best guide. Their juveniles are often quoted as winning machines on debut but statistics suggest that many are better for the race. If strongly fancied in the betting I would take note but if drifting to double figures best watched.

Picks Pinta hails from the Jo Hughes stable and they know the score when it comes to ability. If seriously backed, I would follow the money.   

Another trainer who targets this race is Mel Britain. He fields Sleaford - owned by the trainer - and Bridge Of Avon. The former is a cheap American bred purchase at just £800 and he may have been an unruly type because he was gelded as a yearling. This March foal has breeding suggesting this 5f may be a little on the sharp side. However, the trainer can have big priced winners and isn't someone to ignore. Last year Duran Fentiman rode Mayfield Girl who went a close third at 33/1 and a fair juvenile. Bridge Of Avon was purchased by Britain as a yearling for £5,000. 

The charismatic Michael Easterby proved he can train a winning two-year-old when My Boy Bill ran from off the pace to take the 2012 Brocklesby. He looked to be a fair juvenile but was quoted as being temperamental and proved most disappointing on his next few starts.  Kraka Gym is a bay gelding who cost £20,000 as a yearling. The mare needed a trip and, in general, the stable have a poor strike rate on debut. The exception would be if this youngster is backed to single figure prices. 

The low drawn Vodka Time is owned by Mrs Evans, and quite costly at 20,000euros. David Evans doesn't let the grass grow under his feet and his two-year-olds are trained to excel in the first few months of the season. The stable don't have the best strike rate with their debutantes but he is a very difficult trainer to assess. You can guarantee they will have winners although his runners in this race over the last few years have been either in need of the experience or limited. A difficult horse to assess.       

Stan Moore have sent a couple of juveniles for this race, a format he has taken in past years. Most runners have been in need of the run although he is another handler who can find speculative priced winners. *Far Gaze & *Mr Childrey were both relatively cheap purchases. It is worth noting that Moore's Brocklesby entrants often go on to win, especially on their second start. 

Last but not least is Charles Smith's Donny Rover. To be fair, if this horse wasn't owned by Willie McKay I wouldn't give it must interest simply because Smith has so few juveniles in training. However, it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to hear that this bay colt - a son of Excellent Art - has been primed for this race. Readers may remember Doncaster Rover went close in this race when making his debut in 2008 in the same ownership, trained by Stuart Parr. This April foal cost 95,000euros, which is a significant buy in the context of many cheap buys. If fancied in the betting I would expect a big race. This youngster has an entry to run at Lingfield on Sunday so clearly ready roll.  

*Brockholes Flyer, Dovil's Duel, *Doncaster Belle, Mops Angel, Fuel Injection & Red Biba are best watched.  

Conclusion: The first two-year-old race of the season, soft ground, and question marks over the draw are not the best starting point for those looking to bet. The draw could be a killer blow for many of these and it is difficult to state whether high or long will be best. It wouldn't be a surprise for one or two to plough a lone furrow down the far side rail. Very few horses win this race priced over 14/1, although the favourites, at times, have been indifferent. Bill Turner is a fantastic trainer who annually marks this race as his own. Mick's Yer Man is the type to hit the frame. From a statistical point of view Lord Clyde has good claims. Fahey has won this race before and if forward is live contender. The betting is the best guide for Sleepy Joe, Kraka Gym & Picks Pinta. I wouldn't back any of these if double-figure prices. Outsiders with a live chance could be the Mel Britain's pair. Take note of Far Gaze & Mr Childrey on their seconds starts. Donny Rover is an intriguing horse. He cost quite a sum and Willie McKay likes to have winners at this course. If fancied he could go well. 

I will update the blog at 1:10 with regard to any suitable selections, although I will be very selective this season to keep standards high. It pays to watch the betting this early in the season and have patience. Lots of non runners and a difficult race to have any strong claims. Watching brief. 


*NR

1:30 Chelteneham (Tuesday, 12th March) Supreme Novices' Hurdle ****** 5 Places With William Hill ********

The William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle Grade 1 open to horses aged four years and older run over 2m 110y with eight hurdles to jump. At present the going is soft. The first race of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. Get ready to be greeted by the ''Cheltenham Roar''. 

Originally called the Gloucestershire Hurdle it was first run in 1946 where the race was split in two or three divisions. Vincent O'Brien dominated this race in the mid-to-late 50s. However, its first running as an individual event saw Noble Life win in 1972, trained by Christy Grassick & ridden by Stan Murphy. Other notable successes included Flyingbolt (1964), L'Escargot (1968), Bula (1970) & the ill-fated Golden Cygnet (1978) who was trained by Edward O'Grady  and described by Vincent O'Brien as ''the best horse I've ever seen''.  

More recent victories have seen Brave Inca (2004), Go Native (2009) & Menorah (2010). Last year's winner Cinders And Ashes won at odds of 10/1, trained by Donald McCain & ridden by Jason Maguire, staying on strongly on the flat to win by one and a quarter lengths. 

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle is run at a fast and furious pace, which tends to be the norm at this big National Hunt Race meeting. The race attracts a large number of entrants and therefore experience of competing in big fields before Cheltenham is often of paramount importance.     

Twelve horses have been declared. 

My Tent Or Yours, trained by Nicky Henderson, has A P McCoy booked to ride. This horse will be the focus of many punters hoping to get off to a flying start. This six-year-old bay gelding - owned by legendary pro gambler J P McManus - will start a hot favourite. This son of Desert Prince was purchase for just £12,000 at the age of three. He won his only start at four when cantering clear at Ludlow in a National Hunt Flat Race. Never out of the first two on all starts, he has excelled with recent victories at Ascot, Huntingdon & Newbury. The latter two successes have seen sparkling displays. He wasn't extended to win the Red Mills on soft ground. Then a truly impressive display in the Betfair Chase captured the imagination.  

Henderson will be hoping for better fortunes because you have to go back to 1992 to find his last winner - Flown, who was ridden to victory by Jamie Osborne. His only other win came in 1986 with River Ceiriog.

Without question My Tent Or Yours is the horse to beat. 

Henderson also fields River Maigue, a relatively fancied horse. On recent form he looks held by Dodging Bullets.  

It is important to note that for all My Tent Or Yours ability this has proven a tricky race for favourites to win. Only four have found success in the last twenty years. Also, an average starting price of 14/1 details that not only do favourites often lose - big priced horse may have their day. In 2007 Ebaziyan won at odds of 40/1.  These statistics give good reason why backers are often tempted by each way value.

Paul Nicholls is no stranger to success at the Cheltenham Festival nor the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Many punters remember Noland winning in 2006, beating Staw Bear in the last few strides. And the exquisite hold-up tactics of Ruby Walsh on Al Ferof who won in 2011. 

Dodging Bullets is their sole representative. This bay gelding, a son of Dubawi, was bred by none other than L Dettori. This horse has been kept busy over the last two seasons. He raced in Ireland on the Flat as a three-year-old, trained by Andrew Oliver, then started his hurdling career at Kempton. He has a liking for Cheltenham with two success at the end of last year over course and distance. His most recent effort in the Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) saw a gallant third place. 

Cheltenham guarantees top-class Irish challangers. In fact, this race has been won ten times in the last eighteen runnings by such horses. One particularly well touted for this year's event is Jezki. Trained by Jessica Harrington, J P McManus is the lucky owner with a strong hand with this gelding and the favourite racing in his familiar green and yellow hooped silks. This son of Milan has done little wrong in his four-year-old career: racing eight times, winning six times, both recent starts at Grade 1. Jezki is likely to be held up just off the pace and finish with some effect. He's been well backed and a live chance.

Willie Mullins won this race in 2007 with Ebaziyan, ridden by Davy Condon. He has three horses entered Champagne Fever, Pique Sous & Un Atout. 

The latter is unbeaten in three starts. This son of Robin De Champs has brushed aside his opponents with contempt. An odds on winner on each start, you couldn't help but be impressed. However, this is a huge step up in class. In his favour, Mullins has a huge string of horses and this five-year-old is clearly held in some regard. The betting indicates this lightly race horse could be a superb talent. 

I've heard a good word for Cheltenian. After winning a point to point,  this ex-Irish horse was sold out of Liz Doyle's yard for £210,000. This son of Astarabad made a winning return at Kempton for Philip Hobbs. Thereafter, he showed class to win a valuable Cheltenham bumper despite sustaining an injuring mid race. Powering up the Cheltenham hill, he beat nine graded winners in a stylish display. Off course for over 700 days, he made a belated appearance at Doncaster this February. This bay gelding traveled easily, holding a clear advantage in the home straight. However, he tired in the closing stages and a poor jump at the last proved costly as he was headed on the line. That race will do him the world of good and improvement should be expected. This course winner looks overpriced at 20/1 and value for a small each way bet.  

Conclusion: The Supreme Novices' Hurdle sees the start of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. Many punters will not be able to prize their eyes or their money away from My Tent Or Yours. He will be a tough horse to beat - an outstanding individual. If there is one concern it could be his keen-running style. However, his last performance was pure class. Cheltenham has often proven to be a stiff test for many a good horse. From a statistical point of view Henderson's charge needs to buck problematic trends. Point blank - favourites struggle to win this race. In fact, just two market leaders have won in the last eighteen years.  Make no mistake My Tent Or Yours will be a tough nut to crack. However, priced at such short odds, many backers will be searching for each way value. William Hill sponsor this race and give value hunters a great offer with 5 places (1/4 odds).  This is also coupled with their new C50 offer which is a free match bet up to £50 for new account. 

Here are a few pointers worth keeping in mind.

• Thirteen of the last eighteen winners have won on their last start.
• Don't be put off by horses making their Cheltenham debut. Twelve of the last eighteen winners have never run at Prestbury before. 
• Pay particular attention to changing ground conditions. If the ground is fast take note of horses with Flat breeding, if the rain falls you may need horses with plenty of stamina.
• J P McManus sets the standard with the first and second favourite.
• Jezki has been well supported and the Irish raiders should always be feared.
• Jessica Harrington's gelding looks a sterling each way bet.  

''Get ready for the Cheltenham Roar''

The 2013 Cheltenham Festival: Get Your Bets On

With every day the 2013 Cheltenham Festival is drawing closer. The anticipation. Excitement of a waiting crowd. Trainers, owners, jockeys at the ready. Focused. Inspired. Dreams nurtured in winter months become a racing certainly. 

Past winners striving to write their names in equine history, battle-hardened campaigners primed to settle old scores, while dark horses tantalize the mind...

Of one thing we can be sure - this sport of kings will find no more loyal a servant than race fans across the country who await the pulsating action of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. 

Let the action begin:


Day 1 (12th March)

Champion Hurdle

The highlight on the opening day. This most prestigious hurdle race in the National Hunt calendar is for horses aged four years and older. It is run on the old course over 2m 110 yard, with eight hurdles to jump. It has been won by a number of exceptional horses: Dawn Run (1984), See You Then (1985 - 87) & Istabraq (1998 - 2000). Who will win this year?

Hurricane Fly? Rock On Ruby? Binocular...


Day 2  (13th March)

Queen Mother Champion Chase 

This Grade  1 National Hunt chase over 2 miles is open to horses aged five years and older and the feature event of the second day of the Festival. Named in the year of the Queen Mother's 80th birthday (1980) it recognised her support to jump racing.

The most successful horse to have won this race is Badsworth Boy (1983 - 1985). 

But what are we to make of this year's contest?

Sprinter Sacre, trained by Nicky Henderson, is presently 2/5f after winning his last seven races. He's a true Cheltenham favourite. Can he beat stablemates Simonsig or last year's winner Finian's Rainbow? Irish raider Sizing Europe proved victorious in 2011 while others take their chance...


Whether hunting for ante-post value or betting on the day visit Betting Online At The 2013 Cheltenham Festival With William Hill . Don't forget to join now and get a £25 Free Bet.  


Day 3 (14th March)

World Hurdle       

This Grade 1 National Hunt race is open for horses aged four years or older and run over 3 miles with twelve hurdles to jump. This is the leading long-distance hurdle event in the calendar & feature of day three at the Cheltenham Festival. It was formerly known as the Stayers' Hurdle. In previous contests this race has been about one horse - Big Bucks who won this contest on no fewer than four occasions (2009 - 2012). Unfortunately, he will not contest this year's event after suffering an injury in December. 

However, in what looks a competitive race we see a great line up. Leading hopes include Oscar Whisky, Quevega, Reve De Sivola, Monksland & Tidal Bay.


Day 4 (15th March)

Cheltenham Gold Cup    

This Grade 1 National Hunt horse race is run over 3 miles 2 1/2f with 22 fences to be jumped. A steeplechase open to horses five years or older it is the most prestigious of all National Hunt races. This Blue Riband event has a roll of honour featuring household names such as Arkle, Best Mate, Golden Miller, Kauto Star & Mill House. It is the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain. 

The Cheltenham Gold Cup was first run in 1924 by a horse called Red Splash. In the 1930s Golden Miller won five consecutive races and still proves the most successful horse in the race's history. Other multiple winners include Cottage Rake, trained by Vincent O'Brien, from 1948- 1950. In the 1960s Arkle dominated this event over the new course to win three times. He still remains shortest-priced winner at odds of 1/10f.  

The most remarkable feat for any trainer came in 1983 when Michael Dickinson had the first five horses home. 

Dawn Run and legendary grey Desert Orchid are among my all-time favourites. 

Best Mate, trained by Henrieta Knight, was the last horse to win three consecutive races (2002 - 2004). While in recent years Kuato Star captured the heart of a nation being the only horse to regain the Gold Cup in 2009. 

What a race we have in store for this 2013 Gold Cup.

Presently, Bobs Worth heads the betting, trained by Nicky Henderson. Sir Des Champs is on a recovery mission for Willie Mullins after recently losing his unbeaten record. While Long Run tries to make this a memorable day after tasting victory in 2011. 

A truly spectacular event.

For the latest prices visit Betting Online At The 2013 Cheltenham Festival With William Hill.