Bookmakers declared themselves satisfied with the Derby result despite one of the joint favourites claiming victory.

The Tote were up by between �20,000 and �30,000 on the race as a whole following the triumph of Galileo, who left Golan in second place.

Both horses were priced at 11/4.

Public relations director Matt Chapman said: "At the time Galileo landed his trial in Ireland (in May), the horse was a loser in the Tote book for in the region of �120,000.

"Fortunately, the Tote's odds compilers took a stance after that victory and were impressed enough to make Galileo a 5-2 chance for Epsom, while he was available at 5-1 or more with all the other firms."

The organisation was relieved that 2,000 Guineas winner Golan was unable to complete the double with a win in the Derby.

"It was a fantastic result for us, considering the state of the book before the race. Golan would have been a bad loser," said Chapman.

Bookmaker Victor Chandler was equally pleased the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt did not oblige.

"The result costs us a lot of money on course, but success for Golan would have been a disaster," said Chandler.

"We laid both horses at 33/1 last autumn and a bet of �20,000 to win �50,000 in Gibraltar this afternoon."

Ladbrokes, the world's biggest bookmaker, toasted the best turnover on the Derby for several years.

A spokesman said: "Before the race, the firm predicted industry-wide turnover of �50m on the day and early indications from the company's systems are that target will be reached.

"The decision to move the race to a Saturday (from Wednesday) was the subject of some criticism in previous years, but punters seem to have warmed to the idea with this year seeing the highest turnover since the race was moved."

William Hill managed to turn around ante-post losses on winner Galileo and runner-up Golan thanks to the support on the day for Perfect Sunday and Tobougg.

"Tobougg was probably the best backed horse in the race," said David Hood, spokesman for William Hill.

"The fact he was third, backed considerably each way, has inflicted deeper wounds than either of the front pair could have done."

Hood believes the return of the race to the BBC after 22 years with independent television has helped the meeting's profile.

"The fact that the BBC covered the race this year has given a considerable boost to the Derby," he said.

"The BBC has a naturally bigger audience and there was no competition from European Championships or other major sporting events this year.

"I would estimate industry turnover should be bouncing around �20m on the Derby itself."

The winner is unlikely to go for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot in July.

But the runner-up is a possible for the race and Hills make the 2000 Guineas winner an 8-1 shot against older horses.

King George betting (Hills): 7/2 Fantastic Light; 4/1 Kalanisi; 8/1 Golan; 10/1 Mutafaweq, Wellbeing; 12/1 Endless Hall, Millenary. (Others on application)