Racing: Bookmakers could be in for another bashing as the money continues to pile on Youlneverwalkalone in next Saturday's Aintree Grand National. The number of favourites and well-backed horses that won at the Cheltenham Festival left the layers reeling, and Ladbrokes are expecting a huge amount to be staked on Youlneverwalkalone.
The Christy Roche-trained nine-year-old, owned by JP McManus, was available at 40 to 1 with the firm in January but he has been steadily backed down to 9 to 1.
"All the signs suggest Youlneverwalkalone will be the best backed horse in Grand National history," said Balthazar Fabricius of Ladbrokes. "This horse is dangerous for the firm, as not only will every self-respecting Liverpool and Celtic fan the world over be backing him, Youlneverwalkalone is a serious contender having already claimed the Pierse Chase at Leopardstown and the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham this season."
Ladbrokes are predicting millions of pounds will be riding on Roche's charge, which would likely represent the most ever stakes on the horse in the race.
Watering has continued as planned at Aintree over the weekend and track officials are set to continue watering throughout the week.
Aintree are hoping to maintain ground no faster than Good for the three-day meeting, but the continued fine weather coupled with drying winds means officials are preparing to water into the morning of racing, if required.
Meanwhile, the result at Lansdowne Road was not the only disappointment for racegoers at Cork as they had to suffer a series of surprise winners, including Native Jack, who belied odds of 14 to 1 in the €40,000 FBD Insurance Handicap Chase.
The Arthur Moore-trained gelding led at the final fence in the three-mile event, and was driven out on the run in by Danny Howard to beat The Dell by three-quarters of a length.
"He's a bit of a moody character but, when things go right, he's a fair horse. He'll go now for the McEvoy Auctioneers Novice Handicap Chase at the Punchestown Festival," said Moore.
Racing got under way with the two-year-old maiden in which Devil Moon was installed the 1 to 3 favourite. But the Aidan O'Brien-trained youngster was no match for fellow newcomer Blue Banner inside the final furlong, with the latter eventually scoring by two lengths.
Helen Keohane partnered her 15th winner, and her second of the current campaign, when Book Binder showed good pace throughout in the six furlongs maiden. Mark Roper's charge was drawn on the far side, leading two furlongs out before holding off Golden Basket by a length.
Adamant Approach, an early faller in the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham earlier this month, gave favourite backers some respite when easily landing the Novice Chase under Ruby Walsh. The Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse is next on the agenda.
