Turnover hurt on big handicaps as punters' cash is spread thin

Betting turnover on two of the biggest handicaps of the year - the John Smith's Cup and Bunbury Cup - could be doubled if they were held on different days, according to leading bookmaker Coral as the firm heightened their call for the 'Super Saturday' feast to be spread out.

Ladbrokes likewise reported turnover on the John Smith’s Cup and Bunbury Cup had been suppressed on one of the busiest afternoons of the season on Saturday, which featured meetings at Newmarket, York, Ascot and Chester, in contrast to this coming weekend, which lacks a high-profile race.

Coral called for the need for greater leadership from the sport to tackle the issue and spread key fixtures and races more fruitfully.