 McCoy has yet to win the Grand National from 13 attempts |
Talk about being on tenterhooks. Betting organisations across Britain and Ireland are facing their biggest event of the racing year, Aintree's John Smiths Grand National on 4 April, with even more trepidation than usual. They know that, recession or no recession, around £250m will be wagered on the 40 hopefuls in the world's most famous steeplechase, and they know that traditionally they're pretty much certainties to end up on top. However, the irresistible form of the two biggest name jockeys in the race, Ruby Walsh and Tony McCoy - and the fact that it's still unclear what runner either will partner - make these nervy pre-big race times. When their decisions are made, full-scale gambles on both mounts are anticipated. Never before have riding arrangements been of such interest. Walsh, who sent the bookies running for cover at the Cheltenham Festival with a record-breaking seven winners, has a long list from which to choose as he seeks a third Grand National trophy after Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter four years ago. Those possibles include favourite My Will, well-fancied Big Fella Thanks and Irish pair Snowy Morning and Southern Vic, the latter trained by the jockey's father Ted.  | 606: DEBATE |
In contrast to Walsh, the Aintree feature is by far the biggest gap on the CV of Tony McCoy. In 13 attempts, he has endured conspicuous bad luck, most infamously when carried out by a loose horse on Clan Royal in 2005, and never finished closer than third (on three occasions). This year, the champion jockey must select from Butlers Cabin, a late faller last year, Aintree regular L'Ami- also a casualty in 2008, but at the first obstacle and the up-and-coming Can't Buy Time. David Williams, spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: "I don't know about buying time, people would like to buy a grandstand seat in Ruby's and Tony's minds to be the first to know what they will be on. "It is no exaggeration to say that they are Pied Pipers for the betting public in Britain and Ireland. Ruby's obviously in smashing form from Cheltenham, while there's always a feeling that Tony will get that elusive National winner soon.  Ruby Walsh is seeking a third Grand National trophy |
"As soon as their choices become known I predict a flurry of support, and on top of the monster pre-race gamble on War Of Attrition, it will make this among the busiest Nationals ever." Although the bookies claim not to be victims of the economic climate, and turnover remains strong, they do admit that the Cheltenham Festival went the way of punters after a photo finish, mainly because of Walsh. But were he or McCoy to gallop off with the Grand National trophy, no camera would be required to decide which side had won at Aintree.
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