Tidal Bay creates all the right waves with Betfred for this year's Grand National

LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Top weight Tidal Bay is becoming increasingly popular for the John Smith's Grand National at 16/1.

Betfred, the official betting partner of the Grand National, have clipped the Paul Nicholls trained gelding from 20/1 to 16/1 after it was revealed the Lexus Chase winner has been given 11 st 10 lbs at the official Weights Lunch held today at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Betfred spokesman Mark Pearson,
"Although no top weight has won the National since Red Rum in 1974 the handicapper has definitely given him some leeway and of course never under estimate the Paul Nicholls factor following his success in last year's race."
There are now three co-favourites for the National with last year's third Seabass in from 16/1 to 14/1, joining the Willie Mullin's pair of On His Own and Prince de Beauchene at the head of the market.

Three of the first four in the betting, On His Own, Prince de Beauchene and Tidal Bay are all owned by Andrea and Graham Wylie and Betfred make them 5/1 to have the winner of the National.

Finally Betfred boss Fred Done this week paid out early on Manchester United winning the Premier League title, costing him over £300,000. His friend Sir Alex Ferguson is 16/1 to land the Grand National and cost him more cash. The Manchester United manager has both Harry the Viking and What A Friend entered in the race.