Record Breaking Grand National on the Cards

This year’s Grand National is expected to break all previous records for betting turnover on the most famous horse race in the world as the nation goes horse racing and gambling mad for oen day. Industry insiders are predicting record turnover both both on the high street and with more people than ever vefore anticipated to place their Grand National bets via the internet.

The Grand National is a race steeped in heritage and has become something of a Great British institution over the years. Many of the millions of people who place bets on the 40 runner, 4 mile 4 furlong marathon steeplechase over Aintree’s famous fences will often only place the one bet during the course the year and that will be on the Grand National. The estimated total worth of bets placed within the betting industry is predicted to be in the region of £650 million and whilst it is usually a big pay day for bookmakers this year’s race may make for little more uncomfortable viewing.

One of the main reasons that bookmakers have come to love the Grand National so much is because the winning horse is often a big price, resulting more people backing losers than winners, thus bigger profits for the bookies! However, this year looks set to be different with the shortest priced favourite in years set to line up - the 6/1 shot Cloudy Lane. Many people will automaticly back the favourite becuase it is the easiest selection method, but this favourite has an excellent chance and will be even more popular as a result of being trained by David McCain, son of Ginger McCain, trainer of the most famous Grand National horse of all - Red Rum. If Cloudy Lane can justify his favourite tag and does go on to win the Grand National Odds, bookmakers will be bracing themselves for yet another record - the most paid out on a single race.

Beckham set to win 100th cap

David Beckham is set to win his 100th England cap when he lines up against France in an international freindly in paris on Wednesday (26th March). Beckham, who plays for American side LA Galaxy was left out of new England boss Fabio Capello’s first squad and many feared that he would not reach the landmark 100th cap in his career. However, the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star has been re-called and British bookmakers are expecting increased interest in this match given the Beckham should become only the 5th England player ever to reach 100 caps and the betting industry is anticipating many people to place bets on the game. The most popular bet is expected to be on Beckham to score the first and last goal of the game at odds of generally between 10/1 and 12/1.

The four other players to win more than 100 caps for England are Wolverhampton Wanders legend Billy Wright, who won 105 caps. Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton was capped 106 times aong with World Cup winnign captain and West Ham defender Bobby Moore with 108 caps and the record holder for most games played for England is golakeeper Peter Shilton who won a total of 125 before hanging up his international gloves in 1990.