The Race: 34 runners contest the 2025 Grand National at Aintree (Saturday, April 5th, 4:00 PM BST). Live coverage is available on ITV1 and Racing TV.
Top Contenders: Last year's winner *I Am Maximus* (6/1) heads the market, facing challenges from *Iroko* (8/1), *Hewick* (12/1), *Minella Cocooner* (12/1), *Stumptown* (12/1), *Perceval Legallois* (12/1), *Intense Raffles* (12/1), and *Vanillier* (12/1).
Expert Pick: Racing Post spotlight editor Richard Austen tips *Minella Cocooner* for the win, predicting an Irish-dominated finish: 1. Minella Cocooner, 2. Hewick, 3. Stumptown, 4. Perceval Legallois.
Irish Dominance: Irish-trained horses have won six of the last eight Grand Nationals and filled 25 of the 32 top-four places during that period.
Aintree Drama: Star juvenile *Lulamba* was withdrawn from intended runs at the Aintree Festival (Thursday's Juvenile Hurdle and Saturday's Mersey Novices' Hurdle) by trainer Nicky Henderson due to ground conditions deemed too quick. This caused upset among punters who had backed the horse antepost based on earlier indications.
Why this matters: The Grand National remains a peak betting event, full of prestige and unpredictability. The Lulamba situation underscores how crucial ground conditions are at Aintree and highlights the inherent risks of early betting markets in horse racing.
The Grand National tests equine stamina and jumping ability like few other races. The 4 miles and 2½ furlongs distance, combined with 30 unique fences, presents a formidable challenge for the 34 declared runners.
Spotlight on Key Runners:
I Am Maximus: The defending champion returns as top weight (carrying the most handicap weight). Trained by Willie Mullins, he stormed home last year but isn't always the most fluent jumper. Missing a prep run due to infection adds a question mark, despite his clear class over marathon trips.
Minella Cocooner: Another Mullins trainee and the Racing Post's pick. Showed strong form over extended trips last season, winning the bet365 Gold Cup on good ground, potentially crucial given the current Aintree conditions. Steps up in trip but looks well-suited.
Hewick: A high-class performer known for dramatic wins like the King George VI Chase. Proven stamina over long distances on good ground makes him a major threat, especially with favourable weather.
Stumptown: Impressed in cross-country chases at Cheltenham, showcasing stamina. Trained by Gavin Cromwell (who also runs *Vanillier* and *Perceval Legallois*), he's expected to run well.
Iroko: Represents owner JP McManus. Young and full of potential, but relatively untested over this extreme distance. A fascinating contender.
Intense Raffles: Winner of the Irish Grand National last year on heavy ground. Needs to prove adaptability to faster ground and a left-handed track, but appears well-handicapped based on recent form.
Vanillier: Finished a strong second in the 2023 Grand National off the same handicap mark. Recent cross-country runs suggest a return to form, making him an each-way consideration.
The Lulamba Factor:
The withdrawal of Nicky Henderson's highly-regarded juvenile *Lulamba* from two Grade 1 races at the festival sent ripples through the betting markets. Initially aimed at Thursday's 2-mile hurdle, heavy backing ensued based on positive trainer comments. A late switch of plans, followed by a withdrawal from Saturday's 2m4f Mersey Novices' Hurdle due to 'good' ground conditions being deemed too fast, frustrated many antepost punters. This serves as a reminder of the volatility surrounding major racing festivals, where ground conditions and trainer decisions heavily influence participation.
Q: When is the 2025 Grand National?
A: The race is scheduled for Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 4:00 PM BST at Aintree Racecourse.
Q: How many horses are running?
A: A field of 34 runners is declared to run.
Q: Where can I watch the Grand National?
A: It will be broadcast live on ITV1 and Racing TV. Streaming is also available via bookmaker websites/apps (terms apply).
Q: Who is the favourite to win?
A: Last year's winner *I Am Maximus* currently heads the betting at around 6/1, but odds are subject to change.
Q: What is each-way betting?
A: An each-way bet consists of two parts: one bet for the horse to win, and one for it to place (finish in the top positions, typically 4, 5, or 6 for the National). It offers a potential return even if your horse doesn't win but finishes placed.
Q: What happened with Lulamba at Aintree?
A: The promising young horse *Lulamba* was withdrawn by trainer Nicky Henderson from his intended races at the festival due to the ground being assessed as too quick, impacting betting markets significantly.
The Grand National is a notoriously difficult race to predict, favouring horses with proven stamina and sound jumping. Irish trainers hold a strong hand again this year.
Pay close attention to the official ground description at Aintree; it heavily influences performance and can lead to non-runners, as seen with Lulamba.
While favourites like *I Am Maximus* command respect, the race history is filled with long-priced winners. Consider expert picks like *Minella Cocooner* and horses with strong form over extended distances like *Hewick*.
Each-way betting is a popular strategy for the Grand National due to the large field and potential for upsets.
Remember that antepost betting (placing bets long before the race) carries risks, as horses may not run for various reasons.
The stage is set for another thrilling Grand National! Which horse are you backing to conquer the Aintree fences this year?
Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
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2025 Grand National at Aintree: the runners, the odds, the verdict target="_blank"
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