Paddy Power have made Ted Walsh the fourth favourite to be the next Late Late Show host after the legendary racing pundit retired from his RTE role on Saturday.
The trainer and former jockey shocked his RTE colleagues by announcing he was stepping away from a role he has held for 40 years during their live coverage of the final day of the Punchestown Festival.
And his decision has seen Paddy Power slash the odds on him being the next Late Late Show host from 80/1 to 12/1.
READ MORE: Ted Walsh stuns RTE colleagues as he announces retirement live on air at Punchestown
The racing legend is now the fourth favourite to replace Tubridy, with only Claire Byrne 4/7, Patrick Kielty 2/1 and Sarah McInerney 5/1 ahead of him in the betting.
Rachael Kane, a spokesperson for Paddy Power, said: "Ted Walsh is one of Ireland’s best loved horse racing personalities and we couldn’t think of anyone better placed to take the reins from Ryan Tubridy."
Speaking at Punchestown, Walsh said: "I got a great chance from RTE and I want to thank them very much for giving me the opportunity to comment on a sport that I love, filled of people that I admire, a lot of them are my friends.
"I must say the late Tim O'Connor was a great help to me. Got me in it. It's 40 years. It's a long time to be doing anything and I've enjoyed every day of it.
"We've a great producer now in Ryan McCann and a good head of sport in Declan McBennett. Ryan, I know I've dropped you in it here with this, but at the same time you'll understand.
"There comes a time in everyone's life when they call it a day. Ruby called it a day pulling up here, so did Katie (Walsh) and Nina (Carberry) and so did Puppy Power and so is Ted Walsh."
READ NEXT:
Shane Dowling column: Job Liam Cahill and Mikey Bevans have done in Tipperary cannot be overstated
€500,000 horse going to Gordon Elliott after record breaking sale at Punchestown
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
