Bookmakers in Britain will be watching the Grand National with more than a bit of apprehension after the Paddy Power (Sportsbet parent) betting juggernaut revealed they would have to pay out in the region of £15 million if jockey Rachael Blackmore wins the Grand National.
Blackmore emerged as the leading rider in the recent Cheltenham Festival, making history as being the first woman jockey to be crowned top jockey at the festival, and Minella Times, Blackmore’s mount in the National, has been backed in from 40-1 (back in February) to 9-1.
A win would not only significantly hurt the bookmakers but will give Blackmore another mighty accolade, that of being the first woman rider to salute in the National.
Blackmore, 31, is one of the three women jockeys bidding to become the first female to win the contest. Blackmore will be joined in the National by Bryony Frost (on the 33-1 chance Yala Enki) and Tabitha Worsley (on the 100-1 chance Sub Lieutenant).
Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield stated: “Girl power could nail us to the wall with history being made and we could be staring down the barrel of a £15m pay out come 5.15pm on Saturday.”
Coral’s David Stevens said: “Although betting shops are still closed, such is the popularity of the Grand National, we are still expecting online turnover across the UK to top £100 million, as the nation welcomes back the great race after 2020’s absence.”