Sir Alex Set to be National Enemy of the Bookies

AINTREE, England, April 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sir Alex Ferguson will become the enemy of the bookmakers if his horse What A Friend wins the Grand National.

What A Friend, co-owned by the Man United boss, is second favourite at 10/1 and bookmakers Betfred are facing a million pound pay out if Sir Alex wins on Merseyside.

Betfred boss and Man United fan Fred Done,

"He's cost me a few quid over the years but I'm only hoping to be paying out on his team this year. However a win for his horse in the Grand National will be very costly. There's always a story in the National and this year it could be Sir Alex."

What A Friend was well punted after running so well in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and has been backed in from 33/1.

Of course Sir Alex will not be in the Aintree stands but sat in the Directors' Box at Old Trafford watching his team play Fulham.

Betfred are offering 6/1 that Manchester United score during the Grand National which will last approximately ten minutes around quarter past four, and 16/1 that both What A Friend and the reds end victorious.

Betfred have also seen significant support for last year's winner Don't Push It who bids to be the first back to back winner since Red Rum in the seventies. The Jonjo O'Neill trained horse was the subject of a huge gamble last year and this could happen again as the public support Champion jockey AP McCoy.

There has also been support for Silver by Nature who bids to be the first grey to win the race since Nicolaus Silver in 1961.

Betfred Specials

What A Friend and Manchester United to win 16/1

What A Friend to win and Manchester United to score during Grand National 66/1

Manchester United to score during Grand National 6/1

Contact: Mark Pearson, mark.pearson@betfred.com

SOURCE Betfred