1 week Ago By [email protected] (Alex Turk, Steve Wollaston)
A Grand National bettor left the bookies gobsmacked by walking away with a jaw-dropping £61,320.32 from the iconic race held last Saturday. Trainer Willie Mullins notched an extraordinary 1-2-3 at Aintree as Nick Rockett, ridden by Willie's son Patrick for owner Stewart Andrew, clinched victory at odds of 33/1.
The previous titleholder I Am Maximus was hot on the heels, claiming second place at 7/1, and Grangeclare West secured a marvellous third at 33/1 to complete the trifecta. While Mullins surely felt euphoric after his triumph in the 34-horse, 4m2f grand spectacle, his elation could hardly match that of an inspired – or incredibly astute – punter. This Ladbrokes client pulled off a staggering wager totalling a mere £48, resulting in a whopping £61,320.
32 windfall, sending shockwaves through the bookmaking firm, reports the Express . The bettor ingenously picked the first three horses past the post, cleverly spreading their stake across six bets encompassing all potential combinations involving the triumvirate. Thus, the bet required just one of their foreseen outcomes materialising to secure a colossal payday from the Grand National.
One can only fathom the overwhelming excitement coursing through them as Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus, and Grangeclare West surged ahead to lead the pack, leaving fourth-place finisher Iroko trailing on the renowned home stretch. Following the success of one of the £8 bets, a spokesperson for Ladbrokes extended an open invitation to the lucky customer, eager for a chat about the logic behind selecting this particular trio of horses. Ladbrokes’ own Cal Gildart quipped: "And you thought Willie Mullins was the biggest winner at Aintree!".
"It might have looked like a favourable renewal for the bookies, but this year's Grand National has seen punters land some incredible wins, and this one tops the lot. "This customer obviously likes the reigning champion trainer, but we'd love to know what they saw in two of his less well-regarded chasers." Ladbrokes also paid out £29,000 for a successful £1 each-way bet in the form of a four-fold acca.
Cruz Control (10/1), Flic Ou Voyou (18/1) and Raging Torrent (3/1) had already done their part, and it all came down to Nick Rockett in the main event. He navigated the 34 fences to take home the victory for Mullins and the masses of punters who tried their luck with the bookies. "On the biggest racing day of the year, one customer landed one of the best bets we've seen for some time," Gildart reacted.
"Our plucky punter had Cruz Control as their first pick, and in cruise control was exactly how the first three legs of the bet came in. "It's the stuff of dreams to take home just shy of £30,000 from a £1 each-way bet, and to do it via a 33-1 Grand National winner means they'll be dining out on this for years. Many congratulations!".
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