Corach Rambler victory leaves bookmakers unscathed, despite being favourite

PA Sport Reporters
April 15, 2023 6:00 pm

Other results would have been much worse, say the layers.

Bookmakers pronounced themselves content despite 8-1 favourite Corach Rambler prevailing in the Randox Grand National at Aintree.

Lucinda Russell’s charge had long been towards the head of the market, with his position strengthened after he registered back-to-back victories in the Ultima Handicap Chase at last month’s Cheltenham Festival.

Technically 10lb well-in on revised ratings, Corach Rambler was usurped as National favourite by Ain’t That A Shame on Friday while Delta Work also had a spell at the top of the betting, but he eventually went off the market leader – with his two-and-a-quarter-length verdict over Vanillier not unwelcomed with William Hill.

Spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “There will be plenty of happy punters heading home from Aintree with cash in their pockets, but Corach Rambler, despite being the clear favourite, was a good result for us.

“He was sent off as the market leader, but he wasn’t an overly strong one, with favouritism for the most bet-on race of the year changing hands several times in the build-up.

“This was one of the most open Grand Nationals we’ve seen for a long time, with punters preferring to snap up the double-figure prices about the likes of Back On The Lash and Any Second Now, rather than lumping on the favourite.

“The Big Dog, fourth, and Born By The Sea, who sneaked into the six places we paid at a monster 50-1, were well supported, but overall we’ve come out on top in the race.”

Corach Rambler was a fair result for the bookmakers (Mike Egerton/PA)

Coral’s David Stevens also reported the placed runners to be the only downside to the result.

He said: “Once again the Grand National proved to be a huge hit with not just racing fans but the wider public, and with millions having their annual flutter, horses such as Back On The Lash, The Big Dog and Coko Beach emerged as our worst results.

“Because of the unique spread of money we see on this day, victory for Corach Rambler was not the costly outcome it could have been, so for once we pay out on a winning favourite with a smile.”

Corach Rambler was a Scottish-trained winner (Peter Byrne/PA)

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield felt the result was far from a disaster for the bookmakers.

He said: “It was a decent result for us as the Rachael Blackmore factor came into play and Ain’t That A Shame was latched on to by punters as was last year’s hero Noble Yeats who was well backed in the run-up to the race and ran an absolute cracker in fourth off a big weight.

“The places weren’t the greatest for us, but we’ll certainly take them all things considered.”

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes reported plenty of support for Corach Rambler in Scotland, with Russell’s yard based in Perthshire.

She said: “It’s one for Scotland again! Corach Rambler is the toast of the nation tonight after romping home to win the Grand National. The Lucinda Russell-trained champion was incredibly popular in our Scottish shops, before going off favourite to win in brilliant fashion.”