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Pinstickers’ Guide to the 2025 Grand National Runners

The 2025 Grand National gets underway tomorrow, Saturday 5th April, at 4pm and as such, now is a great time to take advantage of some excellent betting odds, enhanced places and other offers which you can claim when registering today with leading UK bookmaker William Hill.

 


 

Pinstickers’ Guide to the 2025 Grand National Runners

 

1. I Am Maximus
Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE)
Jockey: Paul Townend
Form: 311-P8
Age: 9
Weight: 11st 12lb

A convincing winner last year, having triumphed in the Irish National a year earlier. Could well be in the mix again this time. Two months ago, 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy, who advises the owner, picked him as the standout in JP McManus’ prestigious stable. A win for I Am Maximus would make him the first horse to carry top weight to victory since the legendary Red Rum in the 1970s.

Rating: 8/10
Odds: 10/1

 

2. Royale Pagaille
Trainer: Venetia Williams
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
Form: F-1P66
Age: 11
Weight: 11st 9lb

Royale Pagaille thrives in heavy ground, particularly at Haydock, where he has claimed five of his seven career victories, including back-to-back Betfair Chase wins. However, recent form has been disappointing. Owned by flamboyant former banker Rich Ricci, it’s unlikely he’ll provide a financial windfall, but Williams’ victory with 100-1 outsider Mon Mome in 2009 proves anything is possible.

Rating: 5/10
Odds: 125/1

 

3. Nick Rockett
Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE)
Jockey: Patrick Mullins
Form: 73-411
Age: 8
Weight: 11st 8lb

Stewart Andrew, the owner, clearly rates him highly, initially eyeing the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but Mullins preferred the National. A poignant victory would honour Andrew’s late wife, Sadie, who passed away shortly after watching Nick Rockett’s debut race. Nick Rockett claimed the Thyestes and Bobbyjo Chases, although his main rival, Intense Raffles, is better off at the weights here.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 25/1

 

4. Grangeclare West
Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE)
Jockey: Brian Hayes
Form: 1-P625
Age: 9
Weight: 11st 8lb

A symbolic winner, as Grangeclare West was the last horse purchased by Cheveley Park Stud’s David Thompson, who passed away just 19 days later. He was runner-up in the Irish Gold Cup to Galopin Des Champs at 66/1, finishing ahead of future Cheltenham winners Fact To File and Inothewayurthinkin. The drying ground should favour him.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 25/1

 

5. Hewick
Trainer: John Joseph Hanlon (IRE)
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
Form: 232571
Age: 10
Weight: 11st 7lb

A bargain £800 purchase, Hewick has triumphed in major races, including the King George VI Chase, Bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate, and American Grand National. Trainer John Joseph Hanlon, known as ‘Shark’, believes he could be the favourite come race day. Well-backed ahead of the race, Hewick should be suited by the dry conditions, with good going ideal for him.

Rating: 8/10
Odds: 10/1

 

6. Minella Indo
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE)
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Form: 443-26
Age: 12
Weight: 11st 3lb

Minella Indo was a potential winner last year before finishing third. He won the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and trainer Henry de Bromhead also took the Grand National a month later with stablemate Minella Times, while Rachael Blackmore made history as the first female jockey to win the race. It would be a tremendous achievement for Minella Indo to complete the Gold Cup-National double, but it would take something special.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 33/1

 

7. Appreciate It
Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE)
Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe
Form: 2-5351
Age: 11
Weight: 11st 2lb

Once a promising novice hurdler, winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham four years ago, Appreciate It’s career has since faltered. He won for the first time in two years at Thurles, but he is unlikely to be among the top contenders for this marathon distance.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 66/1

 

8. Minella Cocooner
Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE)
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Form: 0-8P43
Age: 9
Weight: 11st 2lb

While Mullins has other hopefuls, including last year’s winner, Minella Cocooner should not be overlooked. He was third under top weight to Intense Raffles in the Irish Grand National before winning the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. His breeding and form suggest a strong chance for a big performance.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 25/1

 

9. Conflated
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE)
Jockey: Jordan Gainford
Form: U58708
Age: 11
Weight: 11st 2lb

Conflated’s career includes an Irish Gold Cup victory, albeit three years ago. He’s also performed well at Aintree before, but age, weight, and the longer trip may present challenges in this year’s race.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 66/1

 

10. Stumptown
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (IRE)
Jockey: Keith Donoghue
Form: -U1111
Age: 11
Weight: 11st 2lb

Stumptown has been in fantastic form, winning four straight races, including the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham. This is the same race won by Tiger Roll before his back-to-back National wins in 2018 and 2019. A promising contender for trainer Gavin Cromwell, who had a remarkable Cheltenham Festival.

Rating: 8/10
Odds: 8/1

 

11. Hitman
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Freddie Gingell
Form: 83-222
Age: 9
Weight: 11-1

Part-owned by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Hitman has had a somewhat inconsistent career. Known for regularly finishing second, he’s been runner-up in 11 of his 26 races. The distance of the Grand National is a big unknown for this horse, but his talent is undeniable. Freddie Gingell, the 19-year-old jockey, credits much of his success to his late mother, Kim, who tragically passed away from cancer in 2020 at the age of 43.

Rating: 5/10
Odds: 150-1

 

12. Beauport

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Form: 1P-132
Age: 9
Weight: 11-1

Beauport is trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has won the National twice before, and ridden by his son Sam. The gelding comes into this race after winning the Midlands Grand National last year. Owner Bryan Burrough is hoping for a second success in the race, 42 years after his colours were carried to victory by Corbiere, trained by Jenny Pitman. With stamina assured and a solid victory earlier in the season at Ascot, Beauport is a strong contender.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 33-1

 

13. Bravemansgame

Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: James Reveley
Form: 6-2383
Age: 10
Weight: 11-0

Bravemansgame was once at the peak of his powers, having won the King George VI Chase in 2022 and been a runner-up the following year. However, his form has dipped since, with an 11-race losing streak. Despite this, his ability over fences cannot be ignored, and while his current form is underwhelming, he could still make an impact if he bounces back. Stable jockey James Reveley is riding Kandoo Kid, which leaves the question of whether a change of fortune is on the cards for Bravemansgame.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 50-1

 

Check out the full list of 2025 Grand National Runners Here

 

  1. Chantry House
    Trainer: Nicky Henderson
    Jockey: James Bowen
    Form: 9-5515
    Age: 11
    Weight: 10-13

Chantry House is something of an enigma. After a lengthy losing streak, he won impressively at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, showing that he still has some spark left. Owned by JP McManus, who has enjoyed success in the National, Chantry House has the pedigree, with his sire Yeats being the father of 2022 winner Noble Yeats. However, it’s hard to know which version of this horse will turn up on the day.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 66-1

 

  1. Threeunderthrufive
    Trainer: Paul Nicholls
    Jockey: Harry Skelton
    Form: 210-32
    Age: 10
    Weight: 10-12

Threeunderthrufive is named after owner Max McNeill’s late father, who made a memorable golf score at The Open in 1951. This horse’s form has been solid, with a fourth-place finish in the Scottish National and a few encouraging runs in competitive races. However, his lack of experience at this level of the sport may count against him, and he will need to improve to challenge for the top places.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 66-1

 

  1. Perceval Legallois
    Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (IRE)
    Jockey: Mark Walsh
    Form: 286411
    Age: 8
    Weight: 10-12

A powerful runner trained by Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Gavin Cromwell, Perceval Legallois has been in strong form, including a win at Leopardstown in December. His stepping up in distance will be a test, but his recent form is promising. Named after a 12th-century knight from a 1970s film, he could be ready to put his rivals to the sword in this prestigious race.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 12-1

 

  1. Kandoo Kid
    Trainer: Paul Nicholls
    Jockey: Harry Cobden
    Form: P23-18
    Age: 9
    Weight: 10-11

Kandoo Kid has proven himself to be a reliable contender in major races, with a strong third-place finish in last year’s Topham Chase over National fences. He also won the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November, adding to his credentials. Though only one horse, Many Clouds, has won both the National and the Gold Cup, trainer Paul Nicholls believes Kandoo Kid could follow in their footsteps, and many will be watching this grey with interest.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 20-1

 

  1. Iroko
    Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
    Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
    Form: 2-2F42
    Age: 7
    Weight: 10-11

Iroko is an exciting young contender, having won at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023. His second-place finish at last year’s Aintree meeting behind Gold Cup winner Inowthewayurthinkin makes him a solid pick for this race. Co-trainer Josh Guerriero’s experience as a former amateur jockey on National fences adds depth to Iroko’s potential, and his owner, JP McManus, has plenty of experience with success at Aintree.

Rating: 8/10
Odds: 9-1

 

  1. Intense Raffles
    Trainer: Tom Gibney (IRE)
    Jockey: JJ Slevin
    Form: 11-902
    Age: 7
    Weight: 10-10

A winner of the Irish Grand National last year, Intense Raffles is a formidable opponent, particularly in soft or heavy ground. The grey gelding has been consistent, with solid runs in his recent races, including a close second place at Fairyhouse in February. This horse has all the tools to succeed, and Tom Gibney’s training expertise adds further reason to take him seriously in this race.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 10-1

 

  1. Senior Chief
    Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE)
    Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe
    Form: 1P-169
    Age: 9
    Weight: 10-10

Senior Chief has shown glimpses of promise, especially when winning well at Cheltenham in October. He followed that up with a solid sixth-place finish in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Despite pulling up in last year’s Irish National, the horse’s staying power could suit the demands of the Grand National. Owned by the Lucky In Life Syndicate, this horse will be looking to live up to their name.

Rating: 8/10
Odds: 25-1

 

  1. Idas Boy
    Trainer: Richard Phillips
    Jockey: Harry Bannister
    Form: F03106
    Age: 11
    Weight: 10-10

Idas Boy, a former winner of the Midlands National at Kilbeggan, is having his second run for trainer Richard Phillips. His form has been inconsistent, but his win in the Midlands National shows he can compete at this level. Trained by Phillips, who has a history of success, Idas Boy is one for sentimental fans, as he runs for the ‘Dozen Dreamers’ syndicate, a group of 12 friends chasing the dream of a Grand National victory.

Rating: 4/10
Odds: 100-1

 

  1. Fil Dor
    Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE)
    Jockey: Sam Ewing
    Form: 212433
    Age: 7
    Weight: 10-9

Fil Dor has won five of his six races at much shorter distances than the National, which makes him an unlikely contender for this marathon. However, Gordon Elliott has suggested that the horse could surprise, and he will likely benefit from soft ground conditions. While Fil Dor’s chances look slim, he remains an intriguing option for the more adventurous punter.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 100-1

 

  1. Broadway Boy
    Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
    Jockey: Tom Bellamy
    Form: 5-324P
    Age: 7
    Weight: 10-9

Broadway Boy has been in good form this season, including a strong second-place finish behind Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, a two-time National winner, will be hoping that his horse can follow in the footsteps of previous famous horses with catchy names, such as Mon Mome and Red Rum. This horse could surprise, especially with a bit of luck on the day.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 66-1

 

  1. Coko Beach
    Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE)
    Jockey: Jody McGarvey
    Form: U50029
    Age: 10
    Weight: 10-9

Coko Beach has had a mixed record in previous Grand Nationals, with a best finish of 11th last year. Despite fading on each occasion, the horse has been prominent for much of the race. His win in the Troytown Chase last year showed he still has the ability to be competitive, but his chances of staying the distance and making the front rank for the win are uncertain.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 100-1

 

  1. Stay Away Fay
    Trainer: Paul Nicholls
    Jockey: Paul O’Brien
    Form: 3PP-P0
    Age: 8
    Weight: 10-9

Stay Away Fay was once tipped for great things after his victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023. However, his career over fences has been less straightforward, with three pull-ups in his last four races. The jockey, Paul O’Brien, gets his first ride in the Grand National after the original jockeys – Bryony Frost (riding in France) and Johnny Burke (on Minella Cocooner instead) – were unavailable.

Rating: 5/10
Odds: 66-1

 

  1. Meetingofthewaters
    Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE)
    Jockey: Danny Mullins
    Form: 37-008
    Age: 8
    Weight: 10-7

Meetingofthewaters caught the eye of last year’s winning trainer when the weights for the race were revealed in February. He finished seventh in 2024, appearing to run out of steam towards the end, which may raise concerns over stamina. However, the horse is a year stronger now, and the trainer’s successful past with Aintree winners (such as Hedgehunter in 2005) could indicate a potential for improvement this time round.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 25-1

 

  1. Monbeg Genius
    Trainer: Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
    Jockey: Nick Scholfield
    Form: 5P-241
    Age: 9
    Weight: 10-9

Monbeg Genius is an intriguing contender after finishing fourth in the Welsh Grand National and ending a two-year losing streak with a win at Uttoxeter. He has also finished third at Cheltenham Festival two years ago, behind Corach Rambler, the eventual National winner. The horse has had a change of ownership since last year and is now part of a syndicate led by Martin Tedham.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 33-1

 

  1. Vanillier
    Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (IRE)
    Jockey: Sean Flanagan
    Form: -P6913
    Age: 10
    Weight: 10-6

Vanillier was my pick for the 2023 Grand National, finishing second to Corach Rambler. Last year, he struggled on softer ground, finishing 14th, but he showed his potential with a comfortable win at Punchestown earlier this year. The jockey, Sean Flanagan, is an experienced rider, though he nearly made a wrong turn at Cheltenham before recovering to finish third in the Cross Country Chase. He could yet make a strong case in the National, provided everything goes to plan.

Rating: 7/10
Odds: 10-1

 

  1. Horantzau D’Airy
    Trainer: Michael Keady
    Jockey: Ciaran Gethings
    Form: F22999
    Age: 8
    Weight: 10-6

Horantzau D’Airy, once trained by Willie Mullins, has been switched to Michael Keady’s stable. This horse has shown decent form in the Kerry and Munster Nationals, but he faces an uphill challenge in the Grand National. The trainer, who set up his own stable five months ago, is still searching for his first win over jumps. Given Horantzau D’Airy’s recent form, it’s hard to see him making much of an impact in this event.

Rating: 4/10
Odds: 100-1

 

  1. Hyland
    Trainer: Nicky Henderson
    Jockey: Nico de Boinville
    Form: 141122
    Age: 8
    Weight: 10-6

Hyland is a novice chaser with the potential to surprise, although Nicky Henderson has yet to win the Grand National from 43 previous runners. The horse’s sound jumping ability should serve him well, and he should enjoy the good ground. There’s an interesting omen, as one of Hyland’s owners, Paul Humphreys, shares his birthday with the legendary Red Rum. This might provide some additional motivation, though Hyland will need more than luck to triumph.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 25-1

 

  1. Celebre D’Allen
    Trainer: Philip Hobbs and Johnson White
    Jockey: Micheal Nolan
    Form: 45U4-1
    Age: 13
    Weight: 10-6

Celebre D’Allen has some experience over National fences, having finished eighth and fourth in the Topham Chase, but this will be a much tougher test. He’s now 13, and no horse of that age has won the Grand National since Sergeant Murphy in 1923. While his form earlier in the season was solid, it’s difficult to see him winning this time round, given the stiff nature of the task ahead.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 150-1

 

  1. Three Card Brag
    Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE)
    Jockey: Sean Bowen
    Form: -33713
    Age: 10
    Weight: 10-5

Three Card Brag has been trained specifically for this race and sneaks in towards the bottom of the weights. The horse has shown decent form recently, including a third-place finish in a race at Fairyhouse. Elliott has won the Grand National three times, and his experience could prove valuable here. The jockey, Sean Bowen, has a unique story, being allergic to horses but still closing in on the British champion jockey title.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 25-1

 

  1. Twig
    Trainer: Ben Pauling
    Jockey: Beau Morgan
    Form: 5-2P77
    Age: 10
    Weight: 10-5

Twig is a family affair, with the 20-year-old jockey, Beau Morgan, riding the horse owned by his mother. While the horse has struggled in recent outings, the sunny weather forecast for the weekend could benefit him, as he tends to perform better on good ground. He ran second in the Ultima Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, but his form this season has been a bit disappointing.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 80-1

 

  1. Duffle Coat
    Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE)
    Jockey: Danny Gilligan
    Form: 352P4B
    Age: 8
    Weight: 10-4

Despite sunny weather expected for Merseyside this weekend, Duffle Coat is unlikely to need his namesake. His form has been mixed, with several places but only one win from his last 27 races. The horse was runner-up in the Galway Plate last summer, but his chances of winning the Grand National appear slim.

Rating: 6/10
Odds: 100-1