Over 16 million individuals will have a little flutter on the Grand National this Saturday, a study has suggested.

About 30 per cent of males and 22 per cent of females will place a bet on the legendary horse race.

"Stakes" are thought to be going to exceed the £250 million point with £1 million bet going through each minute in the hour before the competitive event.

Moreover, the poll of 2,000 people by a leading betting company discovered that 47 per cent of gamblers will pick a horse and be influenced by its name. Just nine per cent put money on the favourite.

The greatest gamblers live in the South East with £20 bets on the Aintree based race - while 46 per cent of the Welsh will risk under £2.

"Betfair odds: 10-1 Point Barrow, 10-1 Joe's Edge, 15-1 Numbersix-valverde, 15-1 Hedgehunter, 17-1 Idle Talk, 21-1 Simon, 21-1 Dun Dore, 21-1 Billyvoddan, 22-1 LiAmi, 22-1 Eu-rotrek, 22-1 McKelvey, 24-1 Bothar Na, 27-1 Bewleys Berry, 28-1 Monker-hosth, 28-1 Longshanks, 40-1+ BAR."