Bookies pleased with Red Marauder's win

13 April 2012

Bookmakers were generally happy after Red Marauder won a thrilling renewal of the Martell Grand National.  

William Hill laid bets of £250 and £300 to win and another of £350 each-way at 40-1 about the winner.

Owner and trainer Norman Mason revealed afterwards that his horses are named with the Red prefix because he was once in a Chinese restaurant when told that red was regarded as a lucky colour.

"We took a record number of internet bets from Chinese punters, and a good proportion of them were for Red Marauder," said Hills spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Victor Chandler spokesman Neal Wilkins said that the firm had "broken level" on the race.

"We laid the winner at 40-1 and again on the morning of the race and the placed horses were very popular.

"But we are delighted with the level of turnover, the call centre dealt with a record volume of business."

However, Ladbrokes were delighted by Red Marauder's success.

"We predicted on Friday that this would be the biggest betting weekend of all time and with the climax of the Masters and two FA Cup semis to come, we see no reason to revise our opinion," said spokesman Sean Boyce.

"As for the result I didn't know that there was a patron saint of bookmakers, but there clearly is and I'll be lighting a candle for him in thanks for a fantastic day!"

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