Tony McCoy
Betfred, official betting partner of the Crabbie’s Grand National, predicts Saturday’s Aintree showpiece could be the biggest betting event in history as A P McCoy takes his final National ride on Shutthefrontdoor.
The McCoy factor is expected to drive turnover to new heights, with an anticipated £300 million wagered across the industry. That figure is approximately double the amount staked on a typical renewal and could see Shutthefrontdoor sent off the shortest priced Grand National favourite since Red Rum started at 7/2 in 1975.
Should the eight-year-old carry A P to a first Grand National success since 2010, Betfred estimates it could cost bookmakers upwards of £30 million.
Betfred spokesman Andrew Griffiths said: “McCoy mania has taken this year’s Grand National by storm.
“Every betting shop in the land will be teeming with punters who will all be backing the champ to ride off into the sunset with a winner.
“We usually lay a wide spread of horses in the National but the McCoy factor means that’s just not going to happen. It’s a recipe for bookmaking disaster and frankly it scares the pants off us.
“Bookies everywhere will be nervous wrecks. We could be on the verge of the biggest payout in history.”
Crabbie’s Grand National – Betfred bet: 7/1 Shutthefrontdoor; 10/1 Balthazar King, Rocky Creek;12/1 The Druids Nephew;14/1 Cause Of Causes;20/1 Alvarado, Godsmejudge, Soll, Spring Heeled;25/1 Al Co, First Lieutenant; Pineau De Re, Royale Knight;28/1 Night In Milan;33/1 Many Clouds, Saint Are, Unioniste;40/1 Ballycasey, Chance Du Roy, Court By Surprise, Dolatulo, Lord Windermere, Monbeg Dude;50/1 Across The Bay, Carlito Brigante, Corrin Wood, Mon Parrain, Oscar Time, Rebel Rebellion, Super Duty, Wyck Hill;66/1 Owega Star, Portrait King, Rubi Light, The Rainbow Hunter;100/1 Bob Ford, Ely Brown, Gas Line Boy, River Choice, Tranquil Sea.
