Bettors from Aintree gather to wager on Nassalam in the Grand National

Nassalam has garnered consistent backing for the Randox Grand National, with the Welsh National champion now priced at 25/1 by Paddy Power.

The chestnut horse with a white face recently finished second behind Galopin Des Champs in the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup. However, before that, it achieved consecutive victories on rugged terrain at Chepstow, including the highly supported Coral-backed Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase over a distance of three and three-quarter miles. If it participates in the upcoming Aintree showpiece, it is expected to carry a weight of 11-7.

Nassalam's odds have significantly improved in just a week, going from 40/1 to 25/1 across all bookmakers. The forecast predicts more rain for this year's National Festival.

On Wednesday afternoon, Paddy Power spokesperson Paul Binfield noted that Gary Moore's remarks about Nassalam's preference for slow ground at Aintree and lack of worries about the horse's ability to handle a longer distance have sparked enthusiasm among bettors, who are now backing the Welsh equivalent champion.