Our writer has produced a full runner-by-runner guide ahead of the 2025 Grand National, with all 34 runners covered for Aintree’s feature race on Saturday afternoon.
I Am Maximus
Winner last year but has failed to put in a performance remotely similar since. Have they been saving him for the big one? The betting seems to suggest so.
Royalle Pagaille
With dry weather forecast all week, his chances appear to be diminishing by the day and he’s now trading at a three figure price.
Nick Rockett
Bobbyjo winners go really well here so you need to keep him on side. Patrick Mullins really wanted to have first dibs on the ride so that tells you something.
Grangeclare West
Registered a runaway success in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown and was second to Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup.
Hewick
The ten-year-old thrives on good ground, and the former King George winner is likely to be among the favourites on the day.
Minella Indo
Last year the Henry de Bromhead-trained veteran stayed on well to the line and holds an each-way chance again.
Appreciate It
Whilst Appreciate It is a classy type, there are serious doubts about him staying this trip.
Minella Cocooner
Has proven form in big field staying handicaps and is a former “Whitbread” winner.
Conflated
The experienced veteran boasts a number of Grade 1 prizes on his CV and shouldn’t be totally dismissed.
Stumptown
Stumptown was a convincing winner of the Cross Country Chase at the Festival and is well in at the weights.
Hitman
Has plenty to find on the book and he is yet to prove that he can stay this trip.
Beauport
Beauport was an impressive winner of last year’s Midlands Grand National and ranks as an interesting outsider.
Bravemansgame
A former King George VI Chase winner and still a classy horse, but there are stamina doubts with him.
Chantry House
Still retains his ability, even at the age of 11, and there are worse 100/1 shots floating about.
Threeunderthrufive
His latest effort was a second at Ascot, beaten a nose by Victtorino. He will stay all day.
Perceval Legallois
Comes into this race on the back of two impressive wins in top handicaps.
Kandoo Kid
Proven stayer over three-and-a-quarter-miles and should stay further.
Iroko
This has been the plan all season for the seven-year-old and he looks poised to pull it off.
Intense Raffles
The Irish Grand National winner comes here ticking all the right boxes, but will the drying ground be against him?
Senior Chief
Won on ground described as good when beating a stablemate at Cheltenham in October, so will be suited by the conditions.
Idas Boy
Lightly raced contender who has proven his stamina over three miles and should get further.
Fil Dor
The seven-year-old possess class and has the scope for further improvement, but can he stay out this trip?
Broadway Boy
Has put in a couple of creditable efforts this term but is generally pretty inconsistent.
Coko Beach
Has plenty of previous experience over the Grand National fences and in Cross Country races.
Stay Away Fay
Was well down the field behind Myretown in the Ultima and needs to bounce back rather quickly.
Meetingofthewaters
Has had a much lighter campaign this time round and much more is expected than last year’s 7th place.
Monbeg Genius
Managed a fourth-placed position behind Val Dancer in the Welsh Grand National and will be plodding on at the end.
Vanillier
Holds leading claims and the grey is back to being in the form of his life. Cross County races and headgear appear to have given him his mojo back.
Horantzau d’Airy
Second to runaway winner Flooring Porter in the Kerry National, this eight-year-old looks massively overpriced.
Hyland
If Henderson’s horse can keep up with them on the first circuit then Nicky might finally break his jinx this year.
Celebre d’Allen
The veteran has an exemplary record over the National fences and is no forlorn hope.
Three Card Brag
This improving chaser is lurking towards the bottom of the handicap and may well provide Elliott with a record-tying victory.
Twig
Sometimes tends to hang which won’t aid his chances if he’s around in the closing stages.
Duffle Coat
Considered as a lively outsider by many after showing up well in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.
