Bookies poised for quarter of a BILLION pound betting bonanza during Grand National Festival

BOOKMAKERS are estimating a whopping £250million worth of bets will be placed during this weekend's Grand National festival.

, including Saturday's showpiece set to be watched by millions around the world.

Last season saw Willie Mullins' long wait for a second National winner come to an end when

The horse is one of a number for Mullins in with a chance on Saturday, particularly with the absence of Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin, who'd have taken some beating over this trip.

Instead, it's a wide-open betting heat with seeing him move into the favourite's spot at a current 8/1 ahead of final field confirmations on Thursday afternoon.

That's just ahead of the fancied duo of Iroko and Stumptown, who are both priced at 9/1.

It's not expected there'll be a clear favourite in the betting markets once the field is finally confirmed, making it one of the most open National fields for some time.

As a result, William Hill are anticipating the big race to to attract £150million in betting turnover alone in the UK and Ireland.

And with two days of terrific action at Aintree preceding Grand National day, that total figure is anticipated to rise to around £250million in bet stakes on the Merseyside action.

William Hill spokespoerson, Lee Phelps said: “This year’s Grand National looks one of the most open for a long time.

“I Am Maximus is now heading the betting for the 34-runner race at 8/1, and he’s the third different favourite we’ve had in as many days.

“Given the open nature and big odds available across the field this year, we’re expecting plenty of betting interest up and down the country and could see total turnover on the race north of £150m.

“It’s a huge week at Aintree, where total betting turnover for the three days could comfortably hit a quarter of a billion.”;;

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