€5million to be gambled by punters on National
Set for Fairyhouse PUNTERS are expected to splurge €5million on the Irish Grand National tomorrow.
Bookies expect the level of betting to increase 50-fold on normal rates for the big race at Fairyhouse.
Paddy Power predict the numbers having a flutter will jump to 1,500 bets per minute in the hour before the runners and riders go under starter’s orders.
Many punters will naturally be drawn to the big names, including Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott who are engaged in an epic battle in the trainers’ championship.
With €500,000 up for grabs, winning the National, which is run over a marathon three miles and five furlongs over 24 fences, will have a big impact on its outcome.
BRAVE
Paddy Power’s Rachael Kane said: “We think Gordon, who is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the Irish National with 13 of the 30 declared combatants, has the championship sewn up.
“But it takes a brave individual to bet against Willie. If Pairofbrowneyes or Bellshill come home in front, it will cost us dearly as his two runners remain the biggest losers in the book for us.”
Meanwhile, racecourse chiefs were last night carrying out last minute inspections ahead of the big event after Met Eireann issued a Status Yellow alert.
They were optimistic proceedings would get under way for the first day of the Easter festival today.
However, forecasters predict conditions could get worse from tomorrow.
A Met Eireann expert said: “A band of heavy rain in southern counties on Sunday night will extend northwards overnight and during Monday, turning wintry with falls of sleet and snow in some areas.
“Easter Sunday, will be dry in most parts, with some bright spells, but with a good deal of cloud.”