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Grand National 2025: Top 34 Runners Confirmed as Anticipation Builds for Aintree Showpiece
Fresh from the thrilling highs of the Cheltenham Festival, the British horse racing season now turns its attention to the sport’s most iconic steeplechase.
The countdown is well and truly on for the 2025 Randox Grand National, set to take centre stage at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, 5 April, as part of a three-day festival beginning on Thursday, 3 April.
Top 34 Runners for the 2025 Grand National
Here’s the top 34 runners for the 2025 Grand National, listed with trainer and official ratings:
- I Am Maximus (FR) – W. Mullins (IRE) – 167
- Royale Pagaille (FR) – V. Williams – 164
- Nick Rockett (IRE) – W. Mullins (IRE) – 163
- L’Homme Presse (FR) – V. Williams – 163
- Grangeclare West (IRE) – W. Mullins (IRE) – 163
- Hewick (IRE) – T. Cogan (IRE) – 162
- Minella Indo (IRE) – H. de Bromhead (IRE) – 158
- Appreciate It (IRE) – W. Mullins (IRE) – 157
- Capodanno (FR) – W. Mullins (IRE) – 157
- Minella Cocooner (IRE) – W. Mullins (IRE) – 157
- Stumptown (IRE) – G. Cromwell (IRE) – 157
- Conflated (IRE) – G. Elliott (IRE) – 157
- Hitman (FR) – P. Nicholls – 156
- Beauport (IRE) – N. Twiston-Davies – 156
- Bravemansgame (FR) – P. Nicholls – 155
- Chantry House (IRE) – N. Henderson – 154
- Threeunderthrufive (IRE) – P. Nicholls – 153
- Perceval Legallois (FR) – G. Cromwell (IRE) – 153
- Kandoo Kid (FR) – P. Nicholls – 152
- Iroko (FR) – O. Greenall & J. Guerriero – 152
- Intense Raffles (FR) – T. Gibney (IRE) – 151
- Senior Chief (GB) – H. de Bromhead (IRE) – 151
- Idas Boy (IRE) – R. Phillips – 151
- Mr Incredible (IRE) – S. Thomson – 150
- Fil Dor (FR) – G. Elliott (IRE) – 150
- Broadway Boy (IRE) – N. Twiston-Davies – 150
- Coko Beach (FR) – G. Elliott (IRE) – 150
- Farouk d’Alene (FR) – G. Brown (IRE) – 150
- Stay Away Fay (IRE) – P. Nicholls – 150
- Velvet Elvis (IRE) – G. Cromwell (IRE) – 148
- Minella Drama (IRE) – D. McCain – 148
- Meetingofthewaters (IRE) – W. Mullins (IRE) – 148
- Monbeg Genius (IRE) – J. & A.J. O’Neill – 147
- Vanillier (FR) – G. Cromwell (IRE) – 147
Originally billed to be a historic double attempt by Inothewayurthinkin, the recent Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, the race narrative has shifted following the horse’s withdrawal during the latest scratchings’ stage. A total of 11 horses were removed from contention, with three others not qualifying, leaving us with the final field of 34 runners – the revised maximum limit after the safety cap was reduced from 40 in 2023.
Inothewayurthinkin had been 3/1 favourite following his memorable defeat of Galopin Des Champs at Cheltenham. A victory at Aintree would have seen him join the legendary Golden Miller, the only horse to win both the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same year – a feat achieved back in 1934. His absence now opens the door for other contenders to etch their names into history.
When and Where is the 2025 Grand National?
The Grand National is the showpiece event of the Aintree Grand National Festival, and it will be run on Saturday, 5 April at 4:00 PM BST. The race is held at Aintree Racecourse, situated just outside Liverpool, on the renowned Mildmay Course.
The race spans approximately 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, testing stamina, jumping skill, and strategy with 30 formidable fences. With a reduced field of 34 runners, this year’s edition maintains its high-stakes drama while prioritising safety.
Favourites and Form: Who Could Triumph in 2025?
With the Gold Cup winner now out of the frame, Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles has assumed favouritism at 7/1, closely followed by defending champion I Am Maximus, who is well-backed at 8/1. If successful, I Am Maximus would emulate Tiger Roll’s back-to-back triumphs in 2018 and 2019.
Trained by Willie Mullins, I Am Maximus returns with jockey Paul Townend, aiming to repeat their dominant performance from 2024. Other leading names include the consistent Vanillier, a strong finisher last year, and the classy Royale Pagaille, giving Venetia Williams a major chance.
Fast, Fierce and Full of Surprises
The Grand National remains one of the most unpredictable races in world sport. From the high drama of early fallers to last-minute surges at the elbow, it delivers year after year. In 1990, Mr Frisk set the fastest-ever time of 8 minutes and 47.80 seconds – but most winners tend to cross the line in just over nine minutes.
As we edge closer to the off, fans, punters, and connections alike are ready for another unforgettable chapter in Grand National history. Will we see a repeat victory for I Am Maximus? A dream win for underdogs like Broadway Boy or Kandoo Kid? Or a statement from the new favourite, Intense Raffles?
