Duchess Catherine’s close friend and high profile British jockey Sam Waley-Cohen is believed to be the reason behind a sudden surge in bets for the next royal baby being named Sam with odds being slashed from 66/1 to 20/1 at one bookmakers, Ladbrokes.
Sam, 33, was once dubbed the “royal matchmaker” after reportedly helping Kate and William repair their relationship after their brief split in 2007.
Now, he’s making headlines again as a jockey after winning the Radjhani Express – a high profile race amid the Topham Chase – part of the British Spring Racing carnival which is getting into full swing with the Grand National – in which Sam also competed.
Duchess Catherine’s close friend, jockey Sam Waley-Cohen
With his profile on the rise, it prompted a surge in bets favouring Sam as the next royal baby name, regardless of the gender, though bookmakers have indicated that 80% of punters expect the next baby to be a girl.
Simon Clare, from Coral bookmakers confirmed that they too slashed their odds on the name Sam in recent days, telling the UK’ Express: “We have slashed his odds from 66/1 to 40/1.”
“Given how close the Duchess of Cambridge is to Sam Waley-Cohen we are also seeing money for Sam or Samuel at 150/1 and Samantha at 200/1 to be their second baby’s name.”
Punters still prefer Alice as the strong favourite in the lead up to the birth, with odds being slashed from 8/1 to 3/1, with Elizabeth followed close with odds of 5/1, then Charlotte with odds of 11/2.
Punters even placed bets on what the Duchess will wear when she leaves the hospital – last time she favoured blue, so of course this time punters are leaning towards pink – with odds of 4/1.
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