BOOKMAKERS are expecting a late surge of support for Grand National hopeful Clan Royal as a legion of housewife punters switch over from the royal wedding this afternoon, writes Scott Wilson.

Jonjo O'Neill's mount is currently a 10-1 second favourite for the Aintree race and, with Charles and Camilla due to tie the knot at 12.30pm, Clan Royal is expected to come in for strong support before the runners get underway in the National less than four hours later.

The country's leading betting firms still shudder at the memory of Party Politics winning the 1992 Grand National a matter of days after the country went to the polls.

And, with Camilla due to join the royal clan this afternoon, a host of topical tipsters are expecting Clan Royal to complete a regal double later today. "We've already seen some support for the horse, but we're expecting a lot more once people see Charles and Camilla on their screens," said Alex Pickering, a spokesperson for bookmakers Reuben Page. "There are others horses in the race with the word 'Royal' in their name, but Clan Royal seems to be the one that fits the day best.

"A lot of people betting on the Grand National go with the name, and we're certainly expecting that horse to shorten in the run-up to the off.

"But I also think we'll see a lot of last-minute support for Forest Gunner. It's being ridden by a woman and a lot of the build-up to the race has focused on her."

Carrie Ford will be on board Forest Gunner as the 11-year-old looks to maintain his 100 per cent record over the daunting Aintree jumps.

"Everything has been going well," said Ford's husband, Richard. "I'm not too nervous - it just feels like any other race at this stage."

Ginger McCain trained Amberleigh House to victory last year and the Aintree legend, who was also responsible for Red Rum, has made a string of controversial statements about women jockeys this week.

McCain insists a woman will never win the National and thinks that this year's marathon will be a three-horse race between Amberleigh House, Clan Royal and current favourite, Hedgehunter.

"You would have to fancy Hedgehunter given the way he ran last year," said McCain. "And Clan Royal would obviously have a good chance as well.

"I honestly think it will be between the three of us, although one or two of the lightly-weighted horses might just produce a big run."

Ingleby Barwick-based Graham Lee will partner Amberleigh House for the second year running.

The North-East will be represented in the race by two long shots. Ballybough Rasher is trained by Howard Johnson at Crook, while Europa is schooled by Ferdy Murphy at West Witton in Wensleydale.