Denman beat his stablemate Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on the final day of one of racing's most turbulent weeks in recent history.

Trainer Paul Nicholls was forced to divide his loyalties as he watched both his horses, which live next door to each other at his stable in Somerset, thrash it out on the track at Prestbury Park this afternoon.

A host of famous faces were among the 65,000 race fans to cheer on jockey Sam Thomas as he rode Denman over the finish line first - making or breaking millions of pounds of bets made throughout the week.

Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton arrived with three friends earlier this afternoon, dressed entirely in black, just in time to watch the first race. Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, novelist Jilly Cooper and the Princess Royal were also seen enjoying the final day of the National Hunt festival.

Stormy weather threatened to ruin the world-famous festival, with Wednesday's racing called off - the first time a day's events had been abandoned in 30 years.

But bookmakers believe today's climax will be a day at the races to remember - with betting set to break British records by close of play.  Racecourse manager Damian Walker said that by 3pm, £3.5 million had been taken on the Cheltenham site alone.

Ladbrokes believes £300 million will be wagered across Britain today, dwarfing last year's mark of £255 million on the Grand National at Aintree.

David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "It will be the biggest day in the history of betting. We fully expect it to smash Grand National records.
"Festival punters are the toughest around. They've spent the day licking their wounds and building up enormous ammunition for a massive tilt at the bookies."