Bookies count the cost as joint-favourite obliges

BOOKMAKERS were left short of goodwill as well as money following the success of 7-1 joint-favourite Comply Or Die in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree.

Estimates of the amount wagered on the world’s most famous race ranged between £150m and £300m and there was a real plunge on David Pipe’s gelding at the expense of morning market leader Cloudy Lane.

“Punters will be queuing on every high street in the country to collect their winnings,” said William Hill spokesman David Hood.