Gloom lift for bookies after Many Clouds pips Shutthefrontdoor to Grand National victory

BOOKIES were saved from a £30million payout when Tony McCoy's hopes of winning the Crabbie's Grand National on his final ride in the race on Shutthefrontdoor evaporated when he could only finish fifth.

Jubilant trainer Oliver Sherwood and jockey Leighton AspellACTION

Jubilant trainer Oliver Sherwood and jockey Leighton Aspell

"It was a terrific result for us," said David Williams of Ladbrokes.

"The world and his wife wanted to be on Shutthefrontdoor but the £30m gamble went astray.

"Many Clouds had slipped off nearly every radar and, for the third year on the spin, we're enjoying a bookie-friendly result.

If McCoy had won we would have been facing our most expensive National ever."

Paddy Power were also delighted with the outcome.

"If AP had won we would have done our absolute conkers," said Paddy Power.

"But Many Clouds was a gift from God and has saved the industry £60m."

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?