The 2025 Randox Grand National is here. The field of 34 will line-up for the 2025 Randox Grand National at Aintree Racecourse this Saturday after at the five-day declaration stage.
2024 Grand National winner, the Willie Mullins-trained I Am Maximus is the top weight on 11st12lb and will bid to become the ninth official dual winner of the Aintree showpiece. Iroko, Cheltenham Festival winner Stumptown and last year's Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles are just three vying for favouritism .
And here is a pinstickers' guide to every runner, with marks out of 10 rating each horse's chance of victory.
1 I AM MAXIMUS (Trainer: Willie Mullins, jockey: Paul Townend)
Impressive winner last year. Not gone to plan this season and the nine-year-old has been pulled up and eighth behind stable-mate Galopin Des Champs in his two runs. Missed prep for Aintree return in Bobbyjo Chase and off top weight. But clearly likes Aintree and has the ability to at least get into a place.
SCORE: 7. ODDS: 10-1
2. ROYALE PAGAILLE (Venetia Williams, Charlie Deustch)
Grade One performer, but his best efforts have come at Haydock and he is now an 11-year-old. Won Grade One Betfair Chase for a second year in November and probably needs testing conditions. Has run okay in a couple runs at Haydock and in the Gold Cup since but faces a tough challenge to triumph.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 100-1
3. NICK ROCKETT (Willie Mullins, Patrick Mullins)
Has already won two good guides to the National – the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park and the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse – this season. Seventh in Irish National and third in bet365 Gold Cup last year show he enjoys this type of challenge. Has a lot of weight but is progressive, in form and may go close.
SCORE: 8 ODDS: 25-1
4. GRANGECLARE WEST (Willie Mullins, Brian Hayes)
Grade One winner as a novice last season and career best when second to stable-mate Galopin Des Champs in Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February. Last of five in 2m5f Grade Two Chase last time. There are others from the Mullins’ stable with better chances. Getting round might be the best he can do.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 33-1
5. HEWICK (John 'Shark' Hanlon, Gavin Sheehan
Smart performer who has won Bet365 Gold Cup, American Grand National, Galway Plate and Grade One King George VI Chase at Kempton. Finally gets a chance at a crack at the Grand National. On favoured good ground he’s an interesting contender. Should stay and not without a chance of going close.
SCORE: 7 ODDS: 10-1
6. MINELLA INDO (Henry De Bromhead, Rachael Blackmore)
Former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who was an excellent third in last year’s National. He’s 12 now and better days are clearly behind him. Light campaign with just two runs and looks like he’s been aimed at Aintree again. Has the class to at least be in the mix again. But a place may be the best he can hope for.
SCORE: 7 ODDS: 40-1
READ MORE: Full list of the final 34 runners and riders for the the Grand National
7. APPRECIATE IT (Willie Mullins, Sean O'Keeffe)
The 11-year-old was second in the Bumper and won Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the 2020 and 2021 Cheltenham Festivals. Not as good over fences and after winning first two starts over obstacles only scored again at the 14th attempt at Thurles last time over 2m5f. Doubtful stayer and may not finish.
SCORE: 4 ODDS: 50-1
8. MINELLA COCOONER (Willie Mullins, Jonathan Burke)
Won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown last April having been third in the Irish National earlier in the month. Not troubled the judge so far this season but not beaten that far when fourth in the Bobbyjo Chase. Stays well, a good jumper and has a good profile for Aintree. Could make the frame.
SCORE: 7 ODDS: 16-1
9. CONFLATED (Gordon Elliott, TBC)
Won Grade One Savills Chase in December 2022 and third in Cheltenham Gold Cup a few months later. Not won in 15 starts and despite being second in the Melling Chase at Aintree last year looks on the wane. Not certain to stay this sort of distance and looks up against it just to get round.
10. STUMPTOWN (Gavin Cromwell, Keith Donoghue)
Leading player from Gavin Cromwell’s stable who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup for a first time last month. Stumptown was also a Cheltenham Festival winner in the Cross Country Chase – which has been a stepping stone to Aintree glory. Part of a strong Irish challenge and a potential winner.
SCORE: 8 ODDS: 8-1
11. HITMAN (Paul Nicholls, Freddie Gingell)
Admirable nine-year-old who has run in many top races with credit. Hardly ever out of the first two but has won just three times in 23 starts over fences. Most of them have been over much distances than this and although he will give his all it’s doubtful he will make it around. He won’t be second again.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 100-1
12. BEAUPORT (Nigel Twiston-Davies, Sam Twiston-Davies)
One of few who has shown he stays these marathon trips when winning Midlands National at Uttoxeter last March. Pulled up in the Scottish version a month later but won Berkshire National at Ascot and good second over hurdles at Haydock in February will have him spot on now. Could run well.
SCORE: 7 ODDS: 33-1
READ MORE: Perceval Legallois can win Grand National – Chris Wright's prediction
13. BRAVEMANSGAME (Paul Nicholls, James Reveley)
Former classy chaser who won King George VI Chase at Kempton in 2022 and was second in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup and fifth last year. On the wane but has been placed at Wetherby and Haydock this season. Has ability to be involved but dwindling form and doubts over stamina temper enthusiasm.
SCORE 6 ODDS: 40-1
14. CHANTRY HOUSE (Nicky Henderson, James Bowen)
Former smart performer who has Grade One and Grade Two wins on CV from earlier days. Back to form when winning 3m1½f handicap chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day but generally best days are behind him. Interesting to see if he stays this distance – but not enough to tempt you into backing him.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 100-1
15. THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE (Paul Nicholls, Harry Skelton)
Fourth in the Scottish Grand National in 2023 and generally consistent performer over the past couple of seasons. Best form has been at Ascot, winning there last year and finishing second in the same Handicap Chase last month. Should stay and normally a good jumper. But probably not good enough.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 66-1
16. PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (Gavin Cromwell, Mark Walsh)
One of three strong contenders from the Gavin Cromwell stable, the eight-year-old looks to hold a big chance of victory at Aintree. A progressive young chaser, who jumps well and is in form – like many of the recent winners. Won Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown and over hurdles in February. Potential winner.
SCORE 9 ODDS: 14-1
17. KANDOO KID (Paul Nicholls, Harry Cobden)
Third in Topham Chase showed he is up to Aintree challenge and ran out a fine winner of the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, which has been a stepping stone to Aintree glory in the past. Open to more improvement and if he stays this longer trip, could be the best of the British challengers. But may find Irish too good.
SCORE: 7 ODDS: 20-1
18. IROKO (Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, Jonjo O'Neill Junior)
Exciting young chaser who is one of the leading home hopes for Cheshire trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. Cheltenham Festival winner over hurdles, placed in Grade One Novices’ Chase at Aintree and has run well in defeat as he gained experience this season. Still inexperienced but could run a big race.
SCORE: 7 ODDS: 8-1
19. INTENSE RAFFLES (Tom Gibney, JJ Slevin)
Won Irish National in fine style last April after two Novice Chase wins after joining Tom Gibney stable. Ran superb race to be second to fellow National hopeful Nick Rockett in the Bobbyjo Chase – always a good stepping stone to Aintree. Despite being just seven, has a big chance of Grand National double.
SCORE: 8 ODDS: 8-1
20. SENIOR CHIEF (Henry De Bromhead, Darragh O'Keeffe)
Only six chase starts – two wins – and was pulled up in last year’s Irish Grand National. Won a 31m1f handicap chase at Cheltenham in October and sixth in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Down the field over hurdles last time. Lack of experience will cost him. And doubtful he will stay this sort of distance now.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 25-1
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21. IDAS BOY (Richard Phillips, Harry Bannister)
Won Kilbeggan Midlands National when trained in Ireland by Noel Meade and 10th in the Galway Plate last summer. Now trained by Richard Phillips and his one start for new stable saw him finish a distant sixth over hurdles at Doncaster. Hard to see him being involved and will be lucky to finish.
SCORE: 4 ODDS: 150-1
22. FIL DOR (Gordon Elliott, TBC)
Two chase wins in 13 starts, both in small fields and over much shorter distances than he will encounter at Aintree. Third in Grade Two Webster Cup on most recent start over 2m4½f at Navan last month. Nothing to suggest he will stay this distance and on balance doesn’t have class to be involved.
SCORE: 4 ODDS: 100-1
23. BROADWAY BOY (Nigel Twiston-Davies, Tom Bellamy)
Progressive young chaser with some decent form in right sort of races to be a factor in Grand National. Third in a 3m1f handicap chase at Cheltenham earlier in the season and good second in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Pulled up in Ultima at Cheltenham last time a concern. But could go well.
SCORE: 6 ODDS: 66-1
24. COKO BEACH (Gordon Elliott, TBC)
Third crack at National having been pulled up in 2023 and 11th last year. Second over National fences in 2023 Becher, so no fears over Aintree challenge. Mixed form in Cross Country Chases recently when second at Punchestown but ninth at Cheltenham. Should be able to get round but not much more.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 66-1
25. STAY AWAY FAY (Paul Nicholls, Paul O'Brien)
Grade One winner over hurdles at 2023 Cheltenham Festival and one or two decent runs over fences. But has been pulled up in three of last four starts, including in the Scottish National. Bit better when 11th in Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham last time. But it's hard to see him doing much better at Aintree.
SCORE: 4 ODDS: 100-1
26. MEETINGOFTHEWATERS (Willie Mullins, Danny Mullins)
Good seventh in last year’s National and was with leaders up until weakening late on. Possibilities of at least matching that, although he has been out of form in three runs so far this season. Not without hope but there are others - including from same Willie Mullins’ stable – who make more appeal.
SCORE: 6 ODDS: 20-1
27. MONBEG GENIUS (Jonjo O'Neill Senior, Nick Scholfield)
Has some smart form in the right sort of race for the National. Third in Ultima at Cheltenham in 2023, third in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury later that year and fourth in Welsh National at Chepstow over Christmas this season. Back to winning ways in a small event in February and has the right attributes to go well.
SCORE: 6 ODDS: 33-1
28. VANILLIER (Gavin Cromwell, Sean Flanagan)
Runner-up in 2023 National and 14th in last year. Clearly enjoys the Aintree challenge. Another Gavin Cromwell contender with big chance. Back to form when winning Cross Country Chase in February and unlucky not to follow up at Cheltenham – finished third to stable-mate Stumptown. Big chance.
SCORE: 8 ODDS: 12-1
29. HORANTZAU D'AIRY (Michael Keady, Ciaran Gethings)
Runner-up in both Kerry and Munster Nationals when trained by Willie Mullins earlier in the season and ninth in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. First runner for Newmarket trainer Michael Keady having been bought from Rich Ricci. Ability lacking, needs soft ground and not a certain stayer. Little chance.
SCORE: 3 ODDS: 100-1
30. HYLAND (Nicky Henderson, Nico De Boinville)
Some decent form in six chase starts with three wins and a second in Labbrokes Trophy at Kempton last time. Progressing nicely but looks to lack the experience to be a factor at Aintree. Stamina yet to be really tested but if he did stay could certainly get round but doubtful if he will be involved in finish.
SCORE: 6 ODDS: 14-1
31. CELEBRE D'ALLEN (Philip Hobbs and Jonson White, Michael Nolan)
Has some good form over the National fences, finishing eight and fourth in the last two Topham Chases and also fourth in Becher Chase last season. Winner of a small event at Bangor in November but not seen since. Could go well but at 13 and on the balance of his form unlikely to be a real factor.
SCORE: 4 ODDS: 100-1
32. THREE CARD BRAG (Gordon Elliott, Sean Bowen)
Looks to be three-time winner Gordon Elliott’s best chance this year. Fourth in Albert Bartlett over hurdles at Cheltenham in 2023 and has taken well to fences with two wins in seven starts. Still inexperienced but on Beginners Chase win in January has scope to get better. But may be year too soon, though.
SCORE: 7 ODDS: 20-1
33. TWIG (Ben Pauling, Beau Morgan)
Good second in the Ultima Chase at Cheltenham last year and fifth in Handicap Chase over the Mildmay fences at Aintree the following month. Little form since and was pulled up at Haydock in November. Bit better when seventh in Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster recently. But not one to be backing.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 66-1
34. DUFFLE COAT (Gordon Elliott, TBC)
One win in 13 chase starts tells its own story but that success was in a National – the Mayo one at Ballinrobe. Second in Galway Plate another good run but pulled up in Kerry National and brought down on latest start in National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. Won’t be adding to that solitary success in toughest test.
SCORE: 4 ODDS: 50-1
RESERVE 1. SHAKEM UP'ARRY (Ben Pauling, Ben Jones)
Owned by former West Ham and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, he did win at last year’s Cheltenham Festival but was 17th over National fences at last year’s Aintree meeting in Topham Chase. Out of form since and 14th back at Cheltenham last time. Doubtful stayer and out of form. No chance.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 66-1
RESERVE 2. ROI MAGE (Patrick Griffin, Mark McDonough)
Seventh and ninth in the last two Grand Nationals so clearly goes well over the big fences. But he’s 13 now and unlikely to get any closer. Seventh on latest start in Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham and it looks like he’s booked for another creditable run without troubling the judge.
SCORE: 6 ODDS: 100-1
RESERVE 3. FAVOURI DE CHAMPDOU (Gordon Elliott, TBC)
Fell in Irish Grand National last year but ran well to be third in both Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in January and Grand National Trial at Punchestown in February. Back to winning ways in a small event at Down Royal. Not the worst horse in race by any means. But getting round is probably all he’ll do.
SCORE: 5 ODDS: 80-1
RESERVE 4. FANTASTIC LADY (Nicky Henderson, TBC)
Had some decent form over the Grand National fences, finishing three times including when second in the 2023 Topham Chase and sixth last year. Solid jumper but pulled up in Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time. Stamina unlikely to hold out and may have cried off well before the finish.
SCORE: 4 ODDS: 150-1
Liverpool ECHO's Grand National 2025 prediction
1. PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (NAP)
2. Vanillier
3. Nick Rockett
4. Stumptown
5. Intense Raffles
6. I Am Maximus
For full William Hill betting on the Grand National click HERE
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