Bookies want Time on their side

BOOKMAKERS are bracing themselves for a plunge on Can’t Buy Time for next month’s John Smith’s Grand National after it emerged Jonjo O’Neill’s gelding is the likely mount of Tony McCoy.

McCoy’s boss, leading owner JP McManus, has four entries for the world’s most famous steeplechase in King Johns Castle, Don’t Push It, Arbor Supreme and Can’t Buy Time.

Strong recent market support suggested the 14-times champion jockey – who has yet to win the race – would side with the Willie Mullins-trained Arbor Supreme, but news that he will in fact be ridden by Paul Townend has caught punters and bookmakers unawares.