PADDY Power are as short as 8/1 for a repeat Irish one-two-three in today’s Grand National. Irish-trained runners claimed the first four places in the race last season and they hold 18 of the 40-runner field at declaration time.

“The Irish one-two-three is the most popular Grand National special we’ve laid so far,” said Paddy Power spokesman Rob Catterson. “We’ve also seen plenty of money for a Gordon Elliott one-two at 14/1.”

Elliott will break the record of his former mentor Martin Pipe by saddling 13 runners, headed by last year’s winner Tiger Roll. Catterson reported there has been plenty of money for Tiger Roll, whose short price has been the source of much debate, so much so Paddy Power have priced up a market on… Tiger Roll’s starting price!

9/2 or higher has been the most popular bet on the market and trades at 11/10 at the time of writing, so it might be best practice for punters to wait a little if they want to back this year’s favourite.

“The ‘All horses to jump the first fence’ special we put up will surely be popular again and we’ll have a few more special bets on the day,” Catterson said.

Bookmakers predict approximately €290 million will be bet on the Grand National today.