Shares in William Hill perked up yesterday after the bookmaker reported that it has been emerging from an unprecedented losing streak in sports betting.
Punters are believed to have done badly in the smaller races at last month's Royal Ascot meeting.
Full-time draws in the finals of both the FA Cup and European Champions League also favoured bookmakers.
In a trading update, William Hill said: "In recent weeks the group has enjoyed improved sporting results while continuing to exercise tight control over costs".
The shares closed 11p ahead at 551, after touching 5571/2p earlier in the day.
In the 26 weeks to June 28, Hill's "gross win" - the sum left over from the total staked after paying out winnings - was in line with the same weeks last year, which were boosted by a run of favourable results and the Euro 2004 football championship.
That was not counting any contribution from 624 Stanley Leisure betting shops bought on June 19. Meanwhile operating expenses rose by 4.4 per cent, against a 7.6 per cent increase to May 10.
