Dozens of punters hope football legend Harry Redknapp will celebrate a win in the Randox Grand National at Aintree.
His horse, Back On The Lash, is being supported in the market for the £1million race later today. Bookmakers William Hill and Ladbrokes have cut the nine-year-old's odds ahead of the contest, which is due to start at 5.15.
Trainer Martin Keighley's prayers for a dry day have been answered as the sun shines at the Liverpool venue. Back On The Lash runs best on better ground and has plenty of experience over similar jumps to the ones in the National.
The nine-time winner is 18-1 (from 25-1) with Ladbrokes.
Ain't That A Shame, the mount of Rachael Blackmore, was a big market mover on Friday – and relentless support made the Henry de Bromhead-trained chaser favourite. The money continues, however the horse shares the top of the market with last year's third Delta Work and race debutant Corach Rambler.
Ireland are after their fifth success in a row – and most recent winner Noble Yeats, a shock 50-1 scorer 12 months ago, lines up again.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “This year’s public horse is shaping up to be Back On The Lash. Whether it’s down to the fun name or the fact he is owned by Harry Redknapp, punters want to be with him. At the head of the betting remains Ain’t That A Shame. Rachael Blackmore’s pulling power is as strong as ever, with the nation firmly behind her.”
It is estimated up to £200million will be placed in bets on the world's most famous race.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “The money was for Ain’t That A Shame yesterday, and while he’s still popular, the most significant move this morning is for Galliard Du Mesnil.
“Yesterday’s 14-1 about Willie Mullins’ charge has long gone and his current price of 11-1 could contract further, so there’s a real chance of him going off favourite at this rate.
“Back On The Lash is currently the one who would hit us hardest, as he’s been well-backed at big prices, while Any Second Now remains another significant loser in the book.”
Latest Grand National 2023 odds
8-1 Ain’t That A Shame
9-1 Delta Work
10-1 Corach Rambler
12-1 Any Second Now, Gaillard Du Mesnil, The Big Dog
14-1 Mr Incredible, Noble Yeats
16-1 Le Milos
18-1 Back On The Lash, Vanillier
20-1 Roi Mage
22-1 Capodanno, Galvin, Longhouse Poet, Our Power
25-1 Coko Beach, Velvet Elvis
28-1 Mister Coffey
33-1 Fury Road, Lifetime Ambition
40-1 A Wave By The Sea, Enjoy D’Allen, Minella Trump, The Big Breakaway
50-1 Born By The Sea, Cape Gentleman, Carefully Selected, Eva’s Oskar
66-1 Cloudy Glen, Dunboyne, Gabbys Cross, Hill Sixteen, Recite A Prayer, Sam Brown
100-1 Darasso, Diol Ker, Fortescue, Francky Du Berlais
