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Grand National 2025: Jockey Assignments and Key Decisions
As the Randox Grand National approaches on Saturday, 5 April 2025, anticipation builds not only for the horses but also for the jockeys who will guide them over Aintree’s challenging fences.
While several partnerships have been confirmed, some significant decisions remain pending among top trainers and owners. Here’s an overview of the current jockey bookings and the key choices yet to be made.
Confirmed Jockey Assignments
- I Am Maximus: The defending champion from 2024 is set to reunite with Paul Townend, aiming for back-to-back victories.
- Intense Raffles: Currently the favourite, this contender will be ridden by JJ Slevin, the retained jockey for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
- Hewick: Trainer Shark Hanlon has confirmed Gavin Sheehan will take the reins on this Guinness-loving horse, whose odds have shortened significantly due to strong betting support.
- Monbeg Genius: Nick Scholfield has been booked for this runner, providing a steady hand over the demanding course.
- Kandoo Kid: Harry Cobden, stable jockey for Paul Nicholls, will pilot the Coral Gold Cup winner.
- Bravemansgame: French-based jockey James Reveley has been secured for this King George hero, bringing international flair to the race.
- Stay Away Fay: Bryony Frost returns to partner with this contender, reuniting a successful team.
- Threeunderthrufive: Harry Skelton is set to ride, adding his experience to this promising entry.
- Hitman: Young talent Freddie Gingell has been given the opportunity to showcase his skills on this runner.
Key Decisions Pending
Willie Mullins’ Stable
Trainer Willie Mullins faces several critical choices regarding jockey assignments:
- Meetingofthewaters: After finishing seventh last year, this horse is attracting attention. While Danny Mullins rode him previously, it’s uncertain if he will retain the ride. Speculation suggests Mark Walsh, typically associated with JP McManus-owned horses, might opt for Meetingofthewaters over other entries like Perceval Legallois.
- Nick Rockett: Following victories in the Thyestes and Bobbyjo Chase, this contender is appealing. Patrick Mullins has expressed interest in taking the ride, pending final decisions.
- Minella Cocooner: With a win in the bet365 Gold Cup, this horse remains without a confirmed jockey. Danny Mullins is a potential candidate, depending on other assignments.
- Grangeclare West: After a strong performance in the Irish Gold Cup, jockey Brian Hayes is a likely choice, though official confirmation is pending.
Gavin Cromwell’s Stable
Trainer Gavin Cromwell also has significant decisions to make:
- Stumptown: Winner of the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, this horse is a strong contender. Stable jockey Keith Donoghue is expected to ride, as he can make the weight.
- Vanillier: Having finished second in 2023 and 14th last year, Vanillier seeks redemption. Sean Flanagan, who previously partnered with the horse, may be given another chance despite a navigational error in the Cross Country Chase.
- Perceval Legallois: With Mark Walsh potentially riding elsewhere, Conor Stone-Walsh, Cromwell’s number two jockey, might receive the opportunity of his career on this 14-1 shot.
Other Notable Pairings
- Iroko: Jonjo O’Neill Jr is expected to continue his partnership, having ridden the horse in its last seven starts.
- Hyland: Currently 36th on the entry list, if this horse makes the final field, Nico de Boinville is likely to ride.Should Hyland not qualify, de Boinville would switch to Chantry House.
- Three Card Brag: Trainer Gordon Elliott may assign Jack Kennedy, provided he is fit and can manage the 10st 5lb weight, which is at the lower end of his typical range.
- Beauport: Sam Twiston-Davies is anticipated to ride for his father, trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, although there’s interest in Broadway Boy for the Ultima.
- Royale Pagaille and L’Homme Presse: Charlie Deutsch faces a choice between these two. While L’Homme Presse is younger, concerns about stamina might lead Deutsch to opt for Royale Pagaille, a proven performer in longer races.
As the Grand National nears, final jockey bookings will crystallise, adding another layer of excitement to this iconic event. Fans and punters alike eagerly await these decisions, which could influence the market – and perhaps determine the outcome of the race itself. With so much riding on these partnerships, let’s take a closer look at the implications of some of the big calls still to come.
Mullins’ Mounting Choices
Willie Mullins has no fewer than 13 potential runners in the Grand National field this year, and while some pairings appear likely, the jockey assignments remain fluid. With Paul Townend already confirmed for I Am Maximus, and Patrick Mullins expressing his preference for Nick Rockett, it leaves a number of quality horses awaiting their match.
One of the most intriguing is Meetingofthewaters, a horse who ran a blinder last year when finishing in the top seven. Danny Mullins was aboard that day, but his status for 2025 is far from confirmed. There is speculation that Mark Walsh – who is usually first call for JP McManus-owned horses – may choose him over more prominent runners such as Perceval Legallois, depending on where McManus’ interests lie.
Should Walsh go in another direction, Meetingofthewaters could present a prime opportunity for an experienced freelance jockey to step into the limelight – potentially shortening his odds dramatically before the race.
Cromwell’s Conundrum
Gavin Cromwell’s hand is unusually strong this year, with three horses in the top dozen of the betting. While Keith Donoghue is virtually confirmed to ride Stumptown, the situation with Vanillier and Perceval Legallois is more complicated.
Vanillier’s long-time partner Sean Flanagan has the most experience with the grey gelding but comes with baggage after a mistake in the Cheltenham Cross Country. While Cromwell may back Flanagan to atone for the error, there is an outside chance a reshuffle could see another rider take over.
In the event Mark Walsh opts not to ride Perceval Legallois, the door could open for Conor Stone-Walsh, Cromwell’s trusted deputy, to claim the ride – which would mark a huge moment in the young jockey’s career.
The Remaining Puzzle Pieces
- Henry de Bromhead appears to have a relatively straightforward decision between Minella Indo and Senior Chief. Logic would suggest Rachael Blackmore retains the ride on Minella Indo, the horse with whom she shares a Cheltenham Gold Cup win. However, if Blackmore switches to the younger Senior Chief, it would signal real confidence in the latter’s chances.
- Charlie Deutsch has to weigh experience against potential with Royale Pagaille and L’Homme Presse. Both are classy, but Royale Pagaille’s proven stamina might tip the balance in his favour.
- Nicky Henderson, whose Grand National record is sparse, will hope Hyland sneaks into the final 34-runner field. If so, Nico de Boinville would ride; if not, expect a switch to Chantry House, offering De Boinville a second string to his bow.
Nicholls’ Five-Strong Team
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has confirmed his jockey bookings for all five of his intended runners:
- Kandoo Kid: Harry Cobden
- Bravemansgame: James Reveley
- Stay Away Fay: Bryony Frost
- Threeunderthrufive: Harry Skelton
- Hitman: Freddie Gingell
It’s an unusually strong National team for Ditcheat, and Nicholls will hope the diversity of talent in the saddle translates into a serious tilt at a first Grand National since 2012.
The Final Countdown
As the 2025 Randox Grand National draws closer, the final decisions will be made in the days leading up to declaration. For trainers and owners, these aren’t just administrative calls – they’re strategic choices that could influence not only the result of the race but also the betting markets in the lead-up to the off.
With multiple horses in contention, weight considerations, jockey loyalties and owner preferences all playing a part, it’s a complex jigsaw puzzle that will only become clear closer to the day itself.
But one thing is certain: whoever gets the nod to partner the leading fancies in this year’s National will be handed a golden opportunity to make their mark in the world’s most iconic steeplechase.
Stay tuned – the final declarations and jockey confirmations are just around the corner.
