Willie Mullins’ ‘really special’ Grand National horse smashed into favourite as bookies fear ‘worst result’

WILLIE MULLINS' ‘really special' Grand National runner has been smashed into favourite – as terrified bookies revealed they are already counting the cost of their ‘worst result'.

A ‘big gamble' has formed on defending champion I Am Maximus with William Hill.

The official sponsors of the world's most famous race have been forced to cut him to 8-1 from 11s as he bids to do a Tiger Roll and win back-to-back Nationals.

I Am Maximus – who has been labelled ‘really special' by owner JP McManus – made a mockery of his Grand National mark last year, powering clear to the line despite some dodgy jumping.

He has been lumped with top weight 11st12lbs this year.

But punters are keeping the faith in all-conquering Mullins – who sparked a dramatic jockey storm after poaching one of Paul Nicholls' riders – being able to work yet more miracles despite I Am Maximus' form.

He has looked sloppy in two runs this season and was pulled out of his intended prep run in the Bobbyjo Chase last month with an infection.

Mullins reckons I Am Maximus could be a Gold Cup horse in time, though, so he clearly thinks he is a proper Grade 1 animal.

And he must have been impressing in his work at home if word has got out to back him.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Our Non-Runner Money Back Grand National market has been a real rollercoaster and there’s been another twist in the last 12 hours.

“The defending champion, I Am Maximus, has been the subject of a big gamble, where we’ve seen really good money for him, enough to make him the new standalone favourite at 8-1 from 11s.

“The wave of money has also propelled him to be our worst result in the race, jumping ahead of Stumptown, Meetingofthewaters and Beauport.

“There’s plenty more time for more gambles to take place, but right now, we’re fearing I Am Maximus ‘doing a Tiger Roll’ and landing back-to-back Grand Nationals.”

The top of the market has chopped and changed massively in recent days with bookies taking on different runners ahead of Saturday's renewal.

Gavin Cromwell's Vanillier was made one of three 8-1 co-favourites alongside stablemate Stumptown and British hope Iroko with Star Sports and PricedUp.

But it's interesting that Hills, who sponsor Cromwell, have it differently.

They make his big two chances, Stumptown and Vanillier, 9-1 and 10-1 respectively.

And it is Cromwell's other fancied runner, Perceval Legallois, who will be ridden by Gold Cup king Mark Walsh, who is also now 10-1 after being the subject of money in recent days.

Paddy Power see it differently, though, with Iroko their 7-1 favourite and I Am Maximus as big as 10-1.

So it pays to shop around if you want to get the best price about a horse you fancy to land the £1million race.

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