Sweeney Is People's Favourite Ladbrokes have taken no chances with Michael Sweeney in the John Smith's People's Race and slashed him to 2-1 favourite for Saturday's contest following the news he will be riding Instructor.The 47-year-old plumbing engineer from Hale in Cheshire made the final 10 to take part in the nine-furlong charity event on Grand National day at Aintree, designed to give ordinary members of the public a chance to ride in a race.Sweeney was sent to Malton-based Richard Fahey to hone his skills in the saddle and the in-form trainer will provide him with the ride on Instructor, who has won six times at similar distances.This has not been lost on the bookmakers as he was previously a 7-1 shot and David Williams, spokesman for Ladbrokes, explained: 'As expected, the announcement of the horses has completely turned the market upside down.'There have been plenty of people who've backed Michael at 7s and Saturday can't come quickly enough for his supporters.'It'll take a monumental effort to topple him from the top of the betting. He looks to have the best horse and he's certainly got the betting momentum.'(C) PA Sport
