Tiger Roll forecast to be the shortest Grand National favourite since Red Rum

Bookmakers predict Tiger Roll will go off the shortest-priced Grand National favourite since Red Rum was backed into 7-2 to record a hat-trick of wins in 1975.

The layers believe he could be even shorter than that when the tape goes up for the start of the National, part of an estimated £250 million staked on the race in Britain, according to Ladbrokes.

Available at 12-1 after winning the Boyne Hurdle in February, then 6-1 following his success in the cross-country chase at Cheltenham, Tiger Roll was a top-priced 9-2 and as short as 7-2 on Friday.

Coming just a week after Auxerre landed the first leg of the spring double, the Lincoln Handicap, at Doncaster as a strongly-backed 5-2 favourite, victory for Tiger Roll would be a hammer blow to bookmakers.

David Stevens of Coral said on Friday: “An estimated third of the adult population enjoy a flutter on the big race and this year one horse, Tiger Roll, will feature on millions of betting slips.

"Tiger Roll was a popular winner 12 months ago, but that victory will be nothing compared to the reaction if he emulates the mighty Red Rum and becomes the first dual winner of the race for 45 years.

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“One year later, Rummie was sent off 7-2 favourite when failing to complete a hat-trick, and Tiger Roll is already around those odds, and that's before millions of bets are placed on him tomorrow.

"There will only ever be one Red Rum, who did complete a third win in the National in 1977, but Tiger Roll will be the most popular runner since those days, and it's even possible he could become the shortest-priced winning favourite since Poethlyn at 11-4 100 years ago.”

Golden Miller was the National’s hottest favourite when unseating at 2-1 in 1935, the year after he won, and although Tiger Roll is not expected to go off that short, Ladbrokes predict a “nightmare payout” if he wins.

Head of PR Nicola McGeady said on Friday: “He's the public horse who's continued to line the pockets of punters and the odds suggest tomorrow will be no different.

"It's the day the nation goes to the bookies, with many punters picking a horse because they like the name or the colour. This year Joe Farrell, Rathvinden, and Tea For Two are the horses capturing attention besides the favourite.”

Betfred spokesman Matt Hulmes added: “Tiger Roll is already a substantial loser after the favourite won the Lincoln last weekend, the first leg of the spring double.

"Throw in those punters who celebrated his win 12 months ago – they’ll be piling in again – plus those who fancy a part of history being made, and I estimate one in every six bets will be for the favourite.

"If he defies 45 years of history and emulates Red Rum, it will be a great day for the sport but an absolute unparalleled shocker for the layers!”

Thirty broadcasters around the world will show the race live, including in Russia and China.

Dickon White, regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses’ North West Region said: “The enduring global appeal of the Randox Health Grand National is reflected by the high level of interest from TV broadcasters worldwide. One of sport’s great spectacles will receive the global exposure it merits.”

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