BOOKIES say they are expecting a record £150million to be wagered on the Grand National.
One in three British adults — around 18million people in all — are expected to have a punt.
Paddy Power is preparing to take 15,000 bets a minute in Britain and Ireland in the hour before the National’s 5.15pm start.
A worldwide audience of 600million is expected to watch the 40-strong field compete.
Some 70,000 spectators will pack the Aintree course to see the field jump 16 distinctive fences, 14 of them twice.
David Stevens, of bookmaker Coral, said: “It’s a day when millions of people have their one and only bet of the year.
“That will ensure that, once again, National day is by far the biggest day in the betting calendar — with total turnover approaching £250million.
“We expect an estimated third of the adult population will have their traditional flutter on the National, which could see up to £150million riding on the big race.”
The Grand National will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and live streamed on ITV X today on Saturday, April 15 at 5.15pm.
There will be six races each day of the Aintree Festival leading into the Grand National.
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ITV 1 will show four of the races each day, with ITV X live streaming.
Racing TV and bookies’ websites will be showing the first and final races.