04.04.08 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

Bookies fear McCain Factor

BOOKIES are bracing themselves for a flood of money on a Grand National family name like no other.
 
Donald McCain, son of Ginger "Red Rum" McCain, trains red-hot fancy Cloudy Lane, who will probably start the shortest-priced Grand National favourite since Red Rum in 1975 tomorrow for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree. And the thought of another McCain Grand National winner has got the bookies running for cover.
 
Tote spokesman Damian Walker said: "Ginger McCain’s Red Rum would have cost us a fortune had he won instead of finishing second to L'Escargot in the 1975 National.
 
"The McCain name will prove as popular as ever this year and Cloudy Lane looks sure to be backed. Cloudy Lane has been punted at all the prices from 25-1 and the whole betting industry have racked up big liabilities over this horse. But ultimately the once-a-year punters and housewives will decide his starting price.
 
"The big question is this: Will the once-a-year punters, who would have backed Cloudy Lane because of the "McCain Factor", be put off by his skinny odds on the day and look elsewhere? The answer to that question will determine whether Cloudy Lane starts as short as Red Rum in 1975."
 
Cloudy Lane is a 5-1 chance currently while Red Rum started at 7-2 favourite in 1975. Bookies expect to take a massive £300million on what is easily the biggest betting race in the sporting calendar.
 
Red Rum won the Grand National three times - in 1973, 1974 and 1977 while Ginger McCain also enjoyed another winner of the John Smith’s Grand National with Amberleigh House in 2004.
 
The tote is the official betting partner of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting.