Bookies fear Irish domination at the Grand National

Official Betting Partners of the Randox Grand National Festival, William Hill, can report that three Irish-trained runners are their worst results in this year’s Randox Grand National.

Cheltenham Cross Country hero Stumptown, Willie Mullins’ Meetingofthewaters and Hewick are the three National-bound horses the leading bookmaker fear most after the field was trimmed further following the five-day confirmations closing this afternoon.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said:

“It’s Grand National week and our eyes are firmly fixed on the main race on Saturday afternoon, with our Grand National book looking dominated by the Irish.

“Joint 8/1 favourite Stumptown is our worst result and he’s been very popular ever since romping to Cheltenham glory in the Cross Country for William Hill Ambassador, Gavin Cromwell.

“We’re also very wary of a Mullins horse, but interestingly it’s not defending champion I Am Maximus. Meetingofthewaters was a huge plunge horse in last year’s National, and although he looks to be coming to this year’s race more under the radar, he is a big loser for us and one we’re taking seriously at 20/1, Non-Runner Money Back.

“Hewick has definitely been this year’s big ante-post gamble in the National, and he’s one we’re going to need to get beat. He’s very much a punters’ favourite with his plucky underdog backstory, and there’s even a chance he goes off favourite if the sun continues to shine and the ground dries out to his liking.”

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