MILLIONS of punters are expected to gamble record sums on the Grand National today.

Punters in the region are expected to flock to bookies with extra vigour because two local runners are rated realistic prospects among the 40-strong field for the Martell-sponsored steeplechase.

Connections of County Durham-trained Red Marauder and North Yorkshire-groomed Paddy's Return believe both offer excellent each-way bet opportunities.

The chances of all but a handful of recognised "stayers" are expected to be hindered by the rain-sodden conditions over the gruelling four miles and four furlongs course at Aintree, Liverpool.

But owner-trainer Norman Mason, from Brancepeth, near Durham City, who was an Aintree winner yesterday with stable-mate Red Striker, said Red Marauder has been prepared with today's 30 national jumps in mind.

"He's a good staying horse and the conditions are to his liking - the more rain the better," he said.

Ferdy Murphy, from West Witton, near Leyburn in North Yorkshire, fourth and fifth with Addington Boy in the last two nationals, believes his best hope this year is in-form Paddy's Return.

Although both run today, Mr Murphy has switched top jockey Adrian Maguire from Addington Boy to Paddy's Return.

He said: "He's had a couple of really good runs this year and we've kept him with this race in mind."

Austin Carney, of County Durham bookmakers' Reuben Page, said both Red Marauder and Paddy's Return have increased the already high interest in the race.

He said: "They're both worth each-way bets. Any horses with good records on heavy ground will be the market-movers on the day."

Added interest is reported on Teesside in the otherwise unfancied Strong Tel, running appropriately in the red and white colours of Terry "El Tel" Venables' Middlesbrough FC.