EXPERTS say a win for Joes Edge in the big race tomorrow could cost the country's bookies £25m and even put some out of business.

The racehorse looked relaxed enough about the prospect yesterday as he strolled around the stables of his trainer, Ferdy Murphy, in West Witton, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

His stable lass, Gemma Bilton, said a steady stream of people had visited to see the horse after he won the William Hill Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month.

Before the race, the ten-year-old was a 50-1 outsider for the world's greatest steeplechase. Bookies yesterday had him as the clear favourite and were offering odds of 9-1.

But even the attention of television crews, photographers and wellwishers failed to faze the horse.

Gemma said: "He seems to enjoy being the centre of attention and he's also getting a lot of carrots.

"I'm both excited and nervous. The other day, I thought about him finishing near the front and my eyes began to fill up."

The yard's head girl, Lisa Stevenson, will be responsible for looking after the owners tomorrow.

Her biggest concern yesterday was finding a suitable dress.

She said: "We spend seven days a week in boots and a hat, so it's nice to dress up once in a while.

"The closer we get, the more excited I am.

"I was riding out the other day and I suddenly thought 'wow, we've got the favourite for the Grand National'."

Stable lad John Winton said: "There's a buzz about the yard and we are all hoping he wins. There would be some party if that happens."

The excitement is not contained to Mr Murphy's Wynbury Stables, which is one of about 15 yards based in and around the racing town of Middleham.

In the village, Andrew Blackburn, landlord of the Fox and Hounds pub, has already started taking names for his second Grand National sweepstake.

He said: "A lot of people are starting to talk about the horse.

"There's definitely a buzz and I think people are finding it quite novel that it's down as a favourite."

It was only confirmed yesterday that Joes Edge had a place in the starting list after two other horses pulled out.

Numerous residents of West Witton and surrounding villages are now expected to have a flutter on him at the bookmakers in Leyburn before Saturday.

Carl Dawson, the delighted manager of Leyburn Racing, said: "People will come in who we have not seen all year.

"Some will not even know its name, they will just ask for Ferdy's horse."

After a moment's reflection, Mr Dawson said: "Personally, I don't mind if he wins, but it wouldn't be good for the business."

If he wins, he would break a 46-year duck for the trainers of Middleham and the surrounding area.

Merryman II won the first televised National in 1960.

The horse was trained by the late Captain Neville Crump, who had won the race with Sheila's Cottage in 1948 and Teal in 1952.

Jockey Gerry Scott broke his collarbone in two places at Doncaster ten days before the race.

Mr Scott later remembered: "I was strapped up from my waist to my neck.

"I saw three doctors: two said I was fit, and one didn't. He was an orthopaedic surgeon and probably knew the most. But I rode."

Capt Crump, who died in 1997 aged 85, was a highly regarded man, who was well known for intimidating strangers.

Sporting Life wrote in 1953 that that his "90-decibel expletives would strip paint from the stands".