Gemma Collins shares her verdict on Cheltenham Festival after 'losing a fortune' at races

Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Gemma Collins attended Cheltenham Festival earlier for its penultimate day and she has admitted that she didn't win on any of her bets

Reality TV star Gemma Collins has teased that she's ended up losing "an absolute fortune" betting on horse racing whilst at Cheltenham Festival for the first time this week.

Gemma, 44, has been among the celebrity guests on the penultimate day of the event in Cheltenham today. She was seen enjoying one race beside the likes of Danny Dyer, 47, at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire earlier.

As the occasion drew to a close, the former the Only Way is Essex cast member revealed that she hadn't made any successful bets. Gemma spoke about her experience at Cheltenham in an interview with ITV Racing at the venue.

She said: "I've never been to Cheltenham before and Paddy, the owner of Paddy Power, invited me so I couldn't turn him down. Obviously I love the Irish and the Irish love me." She added that it had been "a great day," despite her gambling losses. She told ITV: "I've lost an absolute fortune. None of the horses I bet on won but it's been amazing."

Gemma went on to reveal that she is typically inspired to "put a bet on" if she notices a horses' name that she feels a "vibe about". She said: "If I hear a name or see a name and get a vibe about it, then I will take a punt and put a bet on."

Later in the interview, she said: "I think gambling at the races can be so much fun. Safe gambling, obviously - gambling awareness." Gemma concluded by saying in a message for viewers: "It is not just for men - like women can come to these places and have a great day. It's not all about the men!"

The former Celebrity Big Brother housemate modelled a light blue oufit for her debut at Cheltenham. It included a matching top and trousers, which she accompanied with a co-ordinated cape. Gemma decided to wear a fascinator, which had a bow placed on the top of it, to accessorise the look.

She had showcased her outfit on Instagram this afternoon and suggested that she was enjoying herself. She told her followers on the platform: "Absolute pleasure to be with [Paddy Power]." She tagged the brand, the festival and and the Jockey Club, which is behind the event, in the caption.

A number of fans complimented her in the comments section. One follower wrote: "Wow love this on you." Someone else said: "Absolutely stunning." A third person said: "Absolutely beautiful Gemma. Have a lovely weekend." Some fans didn't seem impressed though, with one person commenting: "Supporting horse racing? In 2025? Girl ..." Whilst another had reacted: "Wait a minute aren't you an animal rights activist."

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