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grand national 2006 /

Millions Express An Opinion On Grand National
07/04/06

British and Irish bookmakers reckon some £250,000,000 will be spent on John Smith’s Grand National day in betting shops, on exchanges and through the internet and telephone accounts.

Clan Royal
© racing-images.co.uk

About half that amount will be wagered on the big race, an event first run in 1839, and which continues to capture the public’s imagination.

Simon Clare of Coral, says: "It’s the biggest betting day of the year by a country mile. We estimate half the adult population will have a bet, either on the telephone, in a betting shop, or by giving cash to a mate to put the bet on for them. It’s a British tradition in rude health."

David Hood, of William Hill , says television coverage of the race helps maintain its position in public affections. "It’s one of the BBC’s top sporting events, and the coverage is one reason why the race generates such huge betting turnover every year. Industry wide we expect about £250m to be turned over on the day, with up to £150m being bet on the John Smith’s Grand National."

Modern technology means armchair viewers enjoy the sort of television coverage that would have been unimaginable a few decades ago, yet tradition has a role in the race’s popularity, says Tony Coleman of Paddy Power. "The race’s history is part of its appeal," says Coleman. "People who never watch racing want to be a part of this event - they want an opinion on it and they show that by placing a bet. In pubs and clubs tonight people will be talking about the race and having a view on it."

For Sporting Index, the spread-betting specialists, the John Smith’s Grand National is all about people taking a view and putting their money where their mouth is. Representative Wally Pyrah says: "The race is a magnet for people with big opinions who like spread betting. If they’re right they win lots, if they are wrong they will lose more than their mates who are putting on 50p each-way.

"The number of finishers in the John Smith’s Grand National always attracts strong opinions and is one of our most popular bets - it’s the novelty bet of the year."

John Smith’s Grand National Betfair Betting Update

Tony McCoy’s mount Clan Royal is trading as favourite at just under 6-1 (6.8) on Betfair, which is the best price available in the marketplace.

Hedgehunter, whose trainer Willie Mullins will be looking anxiously at the heavens hoping the rain stays away for the next 24 hours, is trading at just under 7-1 (7.8) on Betfair, again the best price available.

Ross Comm is a notable mover further down the list. The Sue Smith trained horse, who was only guaranteed a run on Wednesday after J P McManus’ horse Ground Ball withdrew, is available at 20-1, having been matched at 349-1 in the ante-post market on Betfair.

Betting on the number of finishers in the John Smith’s Grand National has 12-18 as the 5-4 favourite.