Corach Rambler’s Victory Saves Bookies £5m Despite Joint-Favorite I Am Maximus’ Win

The eight-year-old horse stormed to victory in the Grand National, winning by seven and a half lengths under jockey Paul Townend. The 7-1 market leader, I Am Maximus, achieved this feat alongside the well-backed fellow JP McManus-owned companion, Limerick Lace, who finished out of the top places in tenth. I Am Maximus became the third favorite to win the Grand National in the last five runnings and the second in succession. Sky Bet spokesman Michael Shinners commented on the result, stating that despite the victory being for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, the outcome was considered fair.

Several popular horses with the bookmakers, including Mr Incredible, Noble Yeats, and Coko Beach, finished outside the top six, resulting in the favorite winning for the second consecutive year. Coral’s David Stevens highlighted that I Am Maximus had many supporters but was just one of the popular runners in this unique event. Their spokesman Paul Binfield noted that Corach Rambler’s performance saved them over £5 million, resulting in a better outcome despite the early backing of the joint-favorite winner. However, the total bets matched on the win market on the Betfair Exchange decreased compared to the previous year.

Their spokesman Barry Orr attributed this reduction to factors such as the smaller field size and late non-runners affecting the matched volumes on the Betfair Exchange. These developments indicate a shift in the betting landscape, with particular horses gaining and losing favor with the bookmakers, ultimately impacting the outcomes and overall market behavior.