Grand National 2025 Preview
The Grand National is one of the most famous and challenging horse races in the world, held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. First run in 1839, the race has since become a defining event in British sporting culture, attracting spectators from across the globe.
The Grand National was created by William Lynn, who developed Aintree as a racing venue in the early 19th century. The first official race, known then as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase, was won by Lottery. Over time, the event evolved into the Grand National, becoming known for its demanding course, high fences, and dramatic finishes.
The race takes place over 4 miles and 514 yards (6.9 km), with horses required to clear 30 fences across two laps. It is a handicap steeplechase, meaning horses carry different weights based on their form and ability, which adds an element of unpredictability. The course’s unique challenges, including famous fences like Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn, test the endurance and skill of both horses and jockeys.
The Grand National is the highlight of the three-day Aintree Festival, held in early April. The festival includes other prestigious races, such as the Aintree Hurdle and the Foxhunters’ Chase. One of the most anticipated days is Ladies’ Day, where spectators showcase high fashion, making it as much a social event as a sporting one. The festival draws around 150,000 spectators to Aintree each year, with millions more watching on television worldwide.
Several horses, jockeys, and trainers have left their mark on Grand National history. Some of the most notable winners include:
Red Rum (1973, 1974, 1977) – Perhaps the most legendary horse in Grand National history, Red Rum won the race three times and finished second twice, securing his status as an icon of the sport. Trained by Ginger McCain, his comeback victory in 1977 remains one of the race’s most memorable moments.
Tiger Roll (2018, 2019) – Trained by Gordon Elliott, Tiger Roll became the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back Grand Nationals, cementing his place among the greats.
Aldaniti (1981) – A remarkable victory, as his jockey, Bob Champion, had overcome cancer, making his win an emotional and inspiring moment in racing history.
Foinavon (1967) – One of the most surprising winners, Foinavon triumphed at odds of 101.00 after most of the field fell at the 23rd fence.
The Grand National remains one of the biggest betting events of the year, with people worldwide placing wagers on the race. The event has also inspired films, books, and countless memorable moments, ensuring its place as a cherished part of British sporting tradition.
With its thrilling races, historic venue, and unforgettable champions, the Grand National continues to capture the hearts of horse racing fans everywhere.
This year there will be 34 horses running in the Grand National, a reduction from the usual 40. These are decided by the British Horse Racing Authority’s head of handicapping.
The favourite to win the race has only gone on to win twelve times in the post-war era. That being said, in three of the last five years the race has been won by the favourite so perhaps the trend is changing. The 2024 winner I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, is among the leading contenders for owner JP McManus, along with Iroko and Perceval Legallois. The latter is trained by Gavin Cromwell, who also runs 2023 runner-up Vanillier and Stumptown, winner of the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham in March. Last year’s Irish Grand National victor Intense Raffles and bargain buy Hewick, who cost just £800, are among other hopefuls. Here is a quick analysis of the most fancied horses in the race:
Intense Raffles
Tom Gibney trains this grey who came over from France last year. Intense Raffles won the Irish Grand National in 2024 and looks capable of etching its name in the Aintree history books. Only three greys have ever won the race, The Lamb in 1868 and 1871, Nicolaus Silver in 1961 and Neptune Collonges in 2012.
Stumptown
This Gavin Cromwell-trained horse has won on its last four outings. This includes the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham earlier this year when Stumptown proved to be a worthy favourite.
Iroko
Trained by the duo of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, Iroko is aiming to be the third consecutive favourite to win the Grand National. Recently won the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival and looks good for the gruelling distance.
I am Maximus
Last year’s winner is currently fifth in the betting. Won the Grand National comfortably last year and now Willie Mullins will be aiming for I Am Maximus to become the first horse to win successive Nationals since Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.
Prize Money
The Grand National is the most valuable contest in jump racing with a total prize fund of £1m.
Racehorse owners receive about 80% of the prize money with the remainder mainly split between trainers, jockeys and stable staff.
1st place – £500.000
Second place – £200,000
Third place – £100,000
Fourth place – £65,000
Fifth place – £40,000
Sixth place – £30,000
Seventh place – £20,000
Eight place – £ 15,000
Ninth place – £10,000
Tenth place – £5,000
Finally, one of the other deciding factors when it comes to this race is the weather forecast. As things stand, it looks like we are likely to have a nice weekend with decent temperatures of around 18 degrees and no rain forecast, so the officials will be watering the course and the going is likely to be good to soft.
Picking the winner
The Grand National is notoriously difficult to predict, it is such a long hard slog that anything can happen to any horse at any time. Stamina is key and a few horses do stand out. Intense Raffles has been steadily backed throughout the past few weeks, with his slick jumping and progressive profile marking him out as a leading contender. Further down the list, one might take a look at Minella Indo who produced a mighty effort to finish third behind I Am Maximus last season and is a pound lower this time around. Punchestown return suggested he can still operate at that sort of level, so you don’t want to be reaching for the red marker pen just yet for all he is now 12 and in the veteran stage. Minella Cocooner is potentially another great shout, a lot of good judges can’t believe he’s still 26.00 and you can see the case for him. Just look at his upward trajectory in the spring of last year, finishing third in the Irish National amongst other things. This sort of race on the forecast ground is ideal for him, he’s never fallen and is trained by a genius. His whole campaign has clearly been centred around Saturday too. One final mention should go to Perceval Legallois, after his success over Christmas.
This is one race above all others that attracts the non horse racing crowd and people all over the country and the world will be gathered around their TV sets on Saturday afternoon to watch and cheer on their horse, whether carefully picked or chosen due to a standout name. Good luck to all!
Last Updated: 02.04.2025
