Local bookies expect deluge of Grand National punters
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PUNTERS in Caithness will be hoping their horse will be first past the post as thousands of bets are placed on today’s Grand National.
The biggest horse race in the world, the annual spectacle at Aintree Racecourse attracts massive interest from even those who are not enthusiasts of the sport.
It is also the busiest day of the year for bookmakers in Thurso and Wick as staff brace themselves for a deluge of customers.
Scotscoup managing director John Russell said he will be expecting to see a rush of customers at its branches in the Far North.
“It differs from any other time of the year for the industry as we usually take in up to four times as much money than usual,” he said.
“Among your normal regular weekend customers, we also welcome all our once-a-year punters who come in and place a bet after reacting to news stories about the race. We normally open earlier on a Grand National day so that we can accommodate everyone and spread it out during Saturday so we can take everybody’s bet.
“I’ve been in the business for nearly 28 years and the last good result bookies had was in the early 1990s. It is not as much of a lottery as it used to be and in recent years the better horses always win.”
As of Saturday morning, Synchronised is the favourite to win the race at 7/1 with West End Rocker, Junior and Giles Cross at 10/1. Last year's winner Ballabriggs is available at 12/1.
Who is your money on? Leave a comment below.
