Tony McCoy could cost bookies over £30million with victory today
Today’s Grand National race could be the worst ever for bookies as the nation gets behind champion jockey AP McCoy, Ladbrokes said.
His horse Shutthefrontdoor is expected to be the best-backed horse in recent Aintree history on a day when bookies predict a staggering £150 million will be bet on the Grand National alone.
It is the biggest weekend of the entire betting year with the Masters competition in America, Manchester Derby, Chinese Grand Prix and the Boat Race in London all contributing to a £200 million betting frenzy, but the bookies are sweating over just one man.
AP McCoy chats to trainer Jonjo O’Neill after exercising Grand National runner Shutthefrontdoor
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “A win for McCoy is our nightmare scenario.
“Shutthefrontdoor could easily be the best backed horse we’ve ever known in the Grand National. We’re scared even to think about it.
“More often than not Aintree throws up a host of stories but this year there’s only one show in town. The entire race revolves around one man and one horse.
“We reckon it will cost the industry £30 million if McCoy wins but that could be conservative
“If the nationwide gamble unfolds, the liabilities could go through the roof. The total cost could be disastrous.”
