PADDY POWER TO GET RUBIED IN THE CROWN JEWELS AGAIN?

Punters across Ireland are expected to bet approximately €50 million in Saturday's John Smith's Grand National, and bookmaker Paddy Power expects most of it to be riding on Ruby Walsh.Walsh, from Kill, Co Kildare, is seeking his third win in the famous Aintree race having won it on Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter in 2005. Both of those wins cost bookmakers dear, and Paddy Power is predicting a further bumper payday for punters should Walsh's mount My Will, the firm's current 7-1 favourite, come home in front."It would be a very hard kick in the crown jewels," said Paddy Power. Ruby cost us a fortune at Cheltenham, and banks will have to print more money in order to meet the demand at the payout counter should My Will win.He is sure to be the housewife's choice as everyone knows a Bill or William.Two people who will definitely be backing Ruby and My Will are the Queen and Kate Middleton, who our staff are expecting at some point in one of our London offices close to the Palace.Tony McCoy, from Co Antrim, who rides Power's current 8-1 second favourite Butler's Cabin, must hate this time of year as the media constantly reminds possibly the greatest jumps jockey ever that he has yet to win the race as he approaches his 14th attempt. Paddy Power said: "I'll never forget when Tony was carried out of the race at Becher's on Clan Royal in 2005 when travelling like a demon in front. One of the unluckiest incidents that I've ever seen on a racecourse and could his fortune change this year?"Patriotic punters can back an Irish-trained victory at 9-4 with Paddy Power. Six horses trained in Ireland have won in the last 10 runnings.If the thought of trawling through 40 horses is too much like hard work on a fun day, stick closer to home and back yet another Irish victory, added Paddy Power."We are fearing a bumper payout, but it's the greatest day of the betting year, and this time, sure we could all do with having a bit of luck."