2023 Grand National set to be most-watched in history with £150m bet on race

Racing fans will pile on 15,000 bets-a-minute in the build-up to what is set to be the most-watched Grand National in history.

Punters will wager £150million on the 175th running of the world’s greatest steeplechase. A sell-out 70,000 crowd will pack out the stands at Aintree for what bookies predict will be the most nail-biting race ever.

Up to 600million viewers will tune in from round on globe to watch the thrilling four-mile, 30 fence sporting spectacle. Around 22% of the nation’s population are expected to have a flutter.

A YouGov survey by Online Betting Guide revealed a punt on the National is the only gamble 9% of the UK population take in the year. While 88% say they would rather gamble on the race than pay for Netflix.

Fans have gone National nuts since super-jockey Rachael Blackmore - the only woman ever to win the race - emerged as the red-hot favourite to double up on her mount Ain’t That A Shame.

Bookies fear an unprecedented eight-figure payout if the 33-year-old trailblazer makes history again. The horse’s odds plummeted from 12-1 to 8-1 within hours yesterday (April 14).

Former Grand National winner Henry de Bromhead now works as a race planner for Henry de Bromhead who saddles the horses and gave us his thoughts on the star's chances.

He said: "Ain’t That A Shame has a fantastic chance. He was second in the Munster National at Limerick, fourth in the Paddy Power Chase in Leopardstown at Christmas and won a Beginners’ Chase on his last start.

"He’s had plenty of experience and is a good size and scope. He ticks a lot of boxes for Aintree. If the ground is on the slow side that would definitely suit him as well. I’d like to think he has a decent each way chance in the race."

The bookies also fear a right Royal headache if last year’s Grand National winner Noble Yeats scoops back-to-back victories .

Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan, 32, turned heads in a stunning red Karen Millen skirt and blazer.

She said: “I love Aintree. I love Ladies Day and getting all dressed up and seeing all the girls together. Even if it’s pouring down and it’s miserable weather it’s like a northern spirit that you just get on and still have a nice time.’’