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Three to Watch: Horses to Follow Over the Grand National Fences at Aintree 2025
The Randox Grand National Festival is one of the highlights of the British sporting calendar, and while the Grand National itself rightly takes centre stage on the Saturday, it’s not the only race to showcase Aintree’s iconic and demanding fences.
Across the three-day festival, just three races take place over the famous spruce-covered obstacles: the Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase, the Topham Handicap Chase, and the world-renowned Grand National Handicap Chase. Each contest provides its own flavour, from amateur jockeys chasing glory to seasoned professionals tackling the toughest course in racing.
Here, we spotlight three standout horses to follow across those three races, each with live chances and compelling stories behind them.
Thursday 3 April – 4:05pm
Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase
Horse to Follow: My Drogo
Once one of Britain’s most exciting novice hurdlers, My Drogo is enjoying a new lease of life in the point-to-point and hunters’ chase scene.
Trained by Ed Walker and ridden by top amateur Will Biddick, the ten-year-old delivered an impressive victory in the Walrus Open Hunters’ Chase at Haydock in February, pulling clear late and showing all his old enthusiasm.
That victory set up a tilt at the Foxhunters’ at Aintree – a race often dubbed the “amateurs’ Grand National” – run over the Grand National fences at a trip of two miles and five furlongs.
My Drogo is no stranger to Aintree success either. He won a Grade 1 novices’ hurdle here in 2021 when trained by Dan Skelton, and the flat, galloping track clearly suits. His current trainer believes he’s retained much of his old ability, and the team are confident he’ll give another bold showing.
Owner Richard Kelvin-Hughes said after his Haydock success:
“He’s never jumped better. We knew then Aintree was the next target.”
With course form, recent winning efforts, and a touch of class, My Drogo looks a serious contender in Thursday’s opener over the National course.
Friday 4 April – 4:05pm
Topham Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
Horse to Follow: James Du Berlais
Next up is the hugely popular Topham Handicap Chase, run over 2m5f and widely seen as the Grand National’s “little brother”. It provides punters with a high-class field and plenty of drama – often with close finishes and dramatic twists over the challenging fences.
Returning to Merseyside this year is James Du Berlais, who was an agonising runner-up in this race in 2024.
Trained by Willie Mullins and carrying the famous double green silks of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the nine-year-old looked the likely winner last year after jumping the last with a commanding lead. But heartbreak struck as Arizona Cardinal reeled him in on the run-in.
Connections have had this race firmly in their sights ever since. With no Cheltenham campaign to distract him this year, James Du Berlais arrives fresh and ready. He is one of the classier horses in the field, and his strong jumping and slick travelling style are ideally suited to this unique test.
Expect him to be well-supported and right in the mix come the business end of Friday’s feature.
Saturday 5 April – 4:00pm
Grand National Handicap Chase
Horse to Follow: Vanillier
On to the main event – the Randox Grand National itself. The four miles, two and a half furlongs trip, combined with 30 formidable fences, provides the ultimate test in Jump racing. And this year, one of the key contenders is the returning grey, Vanillier.
Trained in Ireland by Gavin Cromwell, Vanillier came within touching distance of Grand National glory in 2023, finishing second behind Corach Rambler. He flew home that day, but the winner had already slipped the field. Now aged ten and with more experience under his belt, Vanillier looks primed to go one better.
Cromwell said recently:
“He’s off a nice weight, seems in great form, and his last two runs have been really encouraging. If he gets in, I’d say he has a live chance.”
Those last two outings include a solid third in Cheltenham’s Cross Country Chase behind Stumptown, where he lost vital ground early due to a misdirection but stayed on powerfully. That effort showcased his stamina and resilience – key assets at Aintree.
Vanillier carries strong credentials into this year’s race. With proven course form, staying power, and an appealing racing weight, he’s bound to be one of the most popular picks on Grand National Day.
Final Thoughts
From the amateur riders in Thursday’s Foxhunters’, to the competitive handicap field in the Topham, and the titans of staying chasers in the Grand National itself – each race over the iconic fences tells its own story.
My Drogo, James Du Berlais, and Vanillier are three horses with strong chances, rich backstories, and plenty of followers. Keep a close eye on all three when the Grand National fences come into view – they might just provide a winning formula for Aintree glory next week.
