RACING: Bookies enjoy big day out

RACING

BY RICHARD EDMONDSON

The samaritans of Gamblers Anonymous are in for the busiest weekend of ther lives. This afternoon's Grand National is the centrepiece of a day which is expected to see a record £150m wagered across Britain.

If horse-racing does not take the fancy, there is the US Masters, the Argentinian Grand Prix, the British Open snooker tournament, two FA Cup semi-finals, and two world heavyweight title bouts beckoning for those willing to back their judgement. And then there is the small matter of the National Lottery competing with the National for punters' pockets.

Camelot expect their pool to hold up for a jackpot of close to £8m, but Britain's big three bookmakers believe their takings will be cut by the National. "The skill factor will come in," Mike Dillon, of Ladbrokes, said. "Punters want to pit their wits."

The most difficult conundrum of all to fathom, of course, will be the four and a half mile marathon around Aintree. There will be a maximum of 35 runners in the National, the smallest field since Ben Nevis beat 29 others home in 1980. Now confirmed as a definite human starter is Richard Dunwoody, the champion jockey and winner 12 months ago on Miinnehoma.

The Ulsterman went to hospital on Thursday after aggravating an injury, but was cleared to ride after an injection in torn tissue beneath his kneecap. He again rides Miinnehoma, one of the market leaders.

The horse expected to top the betting list is Young Hustler, who will be much assisted by the good ground. If anything, the going may firm up, with sunny spells predicted for Merseyside. Organisers will hope most of all for a casualty-free day, following a dreadful race over the National fences on Thursday when three horses were killed.

Several animals came to grief over the huge obstacles yesterday in the Foxhunters' Chase, but there were no reports of serious injury to either man or beast. The one fatality was in a less demanding hurdles race, where Native Worth broke his neck.

The RSPCA seems satisfied with arrangements at Liverpool. "Compared with the general medical facilities for humans, the veterinary facilities for horses at Aintree are far superior," Bernard Donigan, their equine consultant, said yesterday.

"People who criticise races over the Grand National fences should give the RSPCA some credit. The safety and welfare improvements made over the last 10 years at Aintree and the reduction in fatalities would surely indicate to any sensible person that we must be doing something right."

Grand National colour special, pages 46 and 47