BRITAIN'S bookies are expecting a record-breaking Grand National betting bonanza tomorrow - but York firms are already cashing in.

Bookmakers across the city have been feverishly taking cash for tomorrow's showpiece horse racing event, with many reporting it as their busiest ever year.

Nationally, more than £150 million is expected to be placed on the famous steeplechase, making it the biggest day of betting yet.

But in York, eager punters have already been piling in to the city's big bookies to mark the Grand National card.

At William Hill, in Low Ousegate, deputy manager Mandy Speck, said the success punters had at Cheltenham - where bookies took a beating - meant trade had been brisk all week.

"It has been constant," she said. "We are doing better than normal for a Grand National week. It is a strong field and off the back of Cheltenham the punters are hopeful."

It was a similar story at Coral and Ladbrokes who have also been putting up some big numbers.

At Ladbrokes in Piccadilly, a spokeswoman said: "We were taking a lot on Thursday. We have been for quite a while actually. With the Aintree meeting having started, there is even more now."

Updated: 12:21 Friday, April 04, 2003