Gemma Collins playfully mentioned her intention to purchase Cheltenham Racecourse following her impressive £5,000 victory on the third day of the festival. The reality TV star from “The Only Way is Essex” experienced a significant win during the St Patrick’s Thursday event in Gloucestershire, where she wagered £500 on a single bet.
The triumph came as Meetmebythesea, ridden by Ben Jones, clinched the victory at 9/1 odds in the second race, triumphing over competitors Gold Dancer and Regent’s Stroll to claim the £64,300 prize for the two-mile and four-furlong race. Collins, visibly excited, shared her elation with ITV Racing after her substantial win.
During her attendance at the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, won by the 33/1 long shot Home By The Lee, the 45-year-old expressed her growing confidence in her betting skills with each successive year at the Cheltenham Festival. Reflecting on her successful bet, she encouraged others to join in the excitement, emphasizing how her intuition led her to place a £500 bet on Meetmebythesea, resulting in the substantial £5,000 payout.
In a bold statement, Collins humorously declared her intent to acquire the racecourse after her impressive win. The day also saw surprises as Jonbon finished second behind Heart Wood, trained by Henry de Bromhead, and the favored Fact To File was withdrawn from the Ryanair Chase Grade One race due to unsuitable ground conditions, as explained by trainer Willie Mullins.
Mullins elaborated on the decision, citing concerns about the ground conditions not being favorable for his horse and the importance of maintaining top-quality horses for such prestigious events. He expressed disappointment over the absence of promised watering, highlighting the significance of softer ground for the welfare and performance of elite National Hunt horses.
The day’s events showcased both triumphs and challenges, with Collins stealing the spotlight with her unexpected win and lighthearted declaration of purchasing the track amid the exhilarating atmosphere of the festival.