William Hill has become Britain's most profitable betting operator following the announcement of its 2000 results, pipping rival Ladbrokes to the post. Pre-tax profits in the year to 26 December 2000 rose 10 per cent to £87m on turnover up 9 percent to £2.04bn. Ladbrokes' profits were close at £86.7m. The company, owned by buy-out firms Cinven and CVC Capital Partners, says that the current foot and mouth crisis has had little material effect on turnover and profits for the first quarter despite the cancellation of some 80 races. Chief executive, David Harding, said that the Grand National weekend, when betting was bolstered by US Masters golf tournament and the FA cup semi-finals, had resulted in record turnover for William Hill of about £30m. Harding also quashed rumours of plans to float following the collapsed efforts in 1999.