Racing: Gayle sparks betting spree

Bookmakers yesterday cut the odds for Sparky Gayle, the favourite for today's big race at Cheltenham, the pounds 60,000-added Murphy's Gold Cup.

Only nine runners go to post for the but the Scottish-trained Sparky Gayle, unbeaten in six races over fences, attracted plenty of interest.

Coral reported heavy backing after offering the seven-year-old at 9-4. By lunchtime they had cut Sparky Gayle to 2-1 and later shortened him up again to 7-4.