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.

Estimated £250million of bets will be placed on Aintree action this weekGrand National set to be most open for some while, even with defending champ I Am Maximus in the field

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.

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

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.

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