Bookies fear right Royal hammering

BOOKMAKERS are already running scared of Royal County Star as Tony Martin’s hope is set to carry just 10st 4lb in the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National on Monday.

After Michael Hourigan declared 10-time Grade One winner Beef Or Salmon, the weights did not rise for the three-mile-five-furlong showpiece at Fairyhouse.

Unsurprisingly, Martin’s ante-post favourite has been all the rage as a result and Betfred have been forced to slash him from 9-2 to 7-2 after laying the horse to lose £200,000.