The Grand National is held annually at Aintree Racecourse and is regarded as one of the world’s greatest steeplechases. For many, it’s a must-watch event that brings the thrill of horse racing to a global audience. From part-time racing fans to serious punters, everyone has their eyes on the National.
The 2025 Grand National will be no different, offering exciting drama, history and competitiveness, all wrapped up in one of the most challenging horse races ever held. On Saturday 5th April 2025 at 5:15pm (UK time), 34 runners will battle it out over the iconic four-mile, 514-yard course, facing 30 new-look fences that are now smaller than what fans of the race have previously seen.
But what makes this race so special? And why is it that every year, both seasoned racing fans and casual punters tune in to watch it? Let’s take a closer look.
Irish history and heritage
The Grand National’s rich history stretches back over 180 years, but Irish horses and jockeys have been a significant part of its story since its inception. Aintree has seen many Irish-trained winners over the years, showcasing Ireland’s pivotal role in shaping the race. The first Irish-trained winner of the Grand National came all the way back in 1847 when Matthew triumphed under jockey Denny Wynne. This victory marked the beginning of a long-standing connection between Irish racing and Aintree.
Through the years, Irish influence has only grown, with horses trained in Ireland and ridden by Irish jockeys frequently dominating the event. Some of the most famous winners include Red Rum, who famously won the race three times in the 1970s, and, of course, Tiger Roll, a modern legend who won the National in 2018 and 2019. Tiger Roll, trained by Gordon Elliott, holds a special place in the hearts of Irish racing fans. These were truly special horses.
Irish jockeys are also a key feature of the race’s success. Ruby Walsh, one of the sport’s all-time greats, enjoyed a stellar career and made several attempts at the Grand National, though he never won the race. His legendary status in Irish racing was built on his dominance in events such as the Cheltenham Festival, but his involvement in the Grand National only added to his illustrious career.
In more recent years, Davy Russell, Jack Kennedy and Rachel Blackmore have added to Ireland’s strong representation at Aintree. Rachel Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021 aboard Minella Times, solidifying her place in history, as well as continuing the strong tradition of Irish excellence. She will return to attempt to regain her crown in the 2025 edition.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Grand National, Irish contenders will once again be involved in trying to win the illustrious prize. The race is expected to feature several horses trained by top Irish trainers, including Willie Mullins, who is famous for producing top-class jumpers and has been successful at major races across the UK and Ireland. Mullins has a particularly strong record at the Cheltenham Festival and was once again crowned the best trainer this year. However, his aim is now focused on conquering Aintree and adding a third Grand National victory to his impressive CV.
Course details
Aintree Racecourse is famously challenging, not only for the horses but also the jockeys. The four-mile, 514-yard course has 30 fences, each one requiring more concentration than the last. The challenge isn’t just the length of the race, but also the difficulty and technicality of the fences themselves. Aintree is known for its unique and formidable obstacles, including the notorious Becher’s Brook, The Chair and Foinavon, which have been the undoing of many a promising contender.
Becher’s Brook is one of the most famous and feared obstacles on the Grand National course. Positioned at the sixth and 22nd fences, it’s a daunting drop with a large, pronounced ditch before it. It is named after the jockey William Becher, who fell at the fence during the 1839 race but managed to jump it safely in later years. Becher’s Brook has a tendency to catch out horses with little experience – jockeys need to be prepared. Its drop is known to jolt horses and cause them to lose their balance, making it an obstacle that can rapidly change the order of the race.
The Chair, positioned at fence number 15, is another significant feature. Its imposing structure can intimidate both horse and rider, and it often leads to dramatic moments in the race. The steep incline approaching The Chair also means that horses must be in excellent condition and have strong stamina to navigate it successfully. Despite its challenges, The Chair is iconic, and many spectators will be eagerly watching how the horses approach it.
In addition to these well-known obstacles, the course itself is often described as a true test of stamina and speed. It’s one of the most gruelling races in the world, demanding not just physical endurance but also mental resilience from both horse and jockey. The changing weather conditions on race day can also play a significant role. A dry track can make the race quicker, while soft or heavy ground can make it a real test of stamina. These conditions can impact the chances of certain horses, especially those that have not raced on similar surfaces before.
The 2025 Grand National is expected to be no less demanding. With 34 runners expected to tackle the course, there will certainly be plenty of drama as the race unfolds. Whether it’s a horse’s ability to handle the physical demands or a jockey’s ability to keep their mount focused and calm throughout, the Aintree course offers no shortcuts.
The number of horses has been reduced from 40 to 34 this year in order to make the race safer for both the horses and the jockeys during the mammoth trip. With fence sizes also set to be reduced, we may see a rather different Grand National compared to recent years – which may provide us with an expected winner.
Will Willie win at Aintree?
One of the most highly anticipated aspects of the 2025 Grand National is the involvement of legendary trainer Willie Mullins. Mullins is widely regarded as one of the greatest horse trainers in the world. Mullins has endured remarkable success at the Cheltenham Festival, and this year at the Grand National, he will be hoping to secure his third winner in the race.
I Am Maximus returns to try to protect his crown, having won last year’s big race by almost eight lengths. However, he was 10lb well-in on that occasion. Now, he returns to Aintree carrying topweight, and his form in the build-up to this year hasn’t been anything special.
He pulled up in the Savills Chase before finishing eighth in the Irish Gold Cup. However, Mullins will no doubt have set up I Am Maximus for this race – it just won’t be as easy as it was 12 months ago.
Meetingofthewaters also returns to Aintree in the hope of a good run having finished seventh in 2024. Despite several poor runs in preparation for the race this year, it’s important to note that he was very much in contention four fences out last year, and is only 1lb higher this time around. Similar to I Am Maximus, this was always the aim, which makes him an interesting contender.
Mullins’ next entry is Nick Rockett, who ended his novice campaign finishing third in the bet365 Gold Cup on good ground. Interestingly, his sweeping run to win the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park at the beginning of the year saw him beat the Grand National favourite Intense Ruffles – clearly he has every chance of success.
Last but not least, Grade 1 winner Minella Cocooner heads to Aintree. Having finished third in the Irish Grand National, the reported good ground looks set to be in his favour. At such a big price, there’s no reason why Minella Cocooner can’t run into a place.
Other top Irish trainers, including Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead, also have horses in the race, ensuring that the Irish contingent remains strong. However, it’s worth noting that although there are 40 entries at this stage, only 34 horses will eventually line up for the race, meaning that any of Mullins’ entries could miss out – something to keep an eye on before placing a bet.
In a race as competitive as the Grand National, any advantage counts, and Mullins will certainly be hoping that his team is ready to take on the formidable Aintree challenge.
Will one of his horses take the crown in 2025? It’s certainly possible, and it would be no surprise to see any of his entries come close on the day.
Prediction for the Grand National 2025
Looking ahead to the 2025 Grand National, the betting odds have already started to take shape. As usual, the race will be full of surprises and upsets, but some key runners are already emerging as favourites.
I Am Maximus is your current fourth favourite (10/1) to retain his title. Carrying topweight makes life difficult, and there are three horses currently ahead of him in the betting.
Gavin Cromwell’s Stumptown (8/1) is two from two this season, having won so impressively at the recent Cheltenham Festival, putting him at the top of the tree to win the race. Up next, we have Iroko (9/1), who although inconsistent, is expected to relish the mammoth trip and he will be looking to pick them all off in the back straight.
Thomas Gibney’s Intense Raffles (9/1) had a 100% strike rate in 2024, and while his form has dipped recently, it would be foolish to write him off.
The 2025 Grand National promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as ever. Whether it’s one of the Irish contenders making history or an unexpected underdog claiming victory, Aintree’s iconic race will undoubtedly deliver plenty of drama and excitement.
For those looking to keep track of the latest odds and developments as race day approaches, you can visit Tonybet for up-to-date betting odds and insights. Staying informed is key to making smart wagers, especially in a race as competitive and unpredictable as the Grand National.
As the countdown to 5th April 2025 begins, fans and punters alike will be eagerly anticipating one of the most exciting and prestigious horse races in the world. Will Willie Mullins claim victory at Aintree? Will an Irish horse win the Grand National again? Only time will tell.
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