Expected Jockey Bookings For The Willie Mullins Grand National Runners 2025

The Willie Mullins Grand National runners for 2025 are starting to take shape with the Irish champion trainer looking likely to have up to SIX entries in the big Aintree race.

With that in mind there will be a lot of ‘rider bingo’ going on as punters try and work out which jockeys will get the leg-up on the Willie Mullins Grand National runners this year.

So, let’s take a look at the most likely Willie Mullins jockey arrangements ahead of race on Saturday 5th April.

Willie Mullins Grand National Runners 2025 and Possible Jockey Bookings

I Am Maximus (FR) 🇮🇪

Won the race last year and it’s hard to see Paul Townend – who guided him home 12 months ago – not sticking with the horse that gave him his first National win.

Of course, the main JP McManus main rider Mark Walsh would normally get the pick of the green and gold runners – but last year it was rumoured Mullins stepped in to point connections towards Townend, which clearly paid off.

If Paul Townend can win the race again on I Am Maximus, he’ll join recent double-winning riders in the race Davy Russell and Leighton Aspell.

In fact, since 2014 – the National has seen three multiple-winning jockeys, if we also include Derek Fox’s brace in 2017 and 2023.

I Am Maximus will also be looking to give his owner JP McManus a fourth National win – after successes with Don’t Push It and Minella Times in the past.

The Grand National trends, however, suggest he might have it all to do off topweight – the last horse to win with 11st 12lb or more was Red Rum in 1974.

Nick Rockett (IRE) 🇮🇪

It’s not confirmed as yet, but in recent week’s Patrick Mullins has thrown his hat into the ring to ride this year’s Thyestes and Bobbyjo Chase winner – Nick Rockett.

He’s been the mount of Townend in seven of his last eight runs – including his last two wins – but with last year’s winning rider expected to stick with I Am Maximus this is a top spare ride on offer.

If Patrick does get the call, this will only be the second times he’s ridden Nick Rockett – having been on his back when 4th in a NH Flat race at Fairyhouse back in December 2022.

Last year Patrick Mullins rode Stattler in the Grand National for his father, but was pulled-up before the 9th fence.

Grangeclare West (IRE) 🇮🇪

This 9 year-old has been ridden by Brian Hayes in his last two races and, therefore, there is a strong chance that connections will stick with him in the National.

One of those recent two runs was also a cracking second to Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February. But has since run below-par at Navan – albeit over 2m 4 1/2f which wouldn’t have suited.

Brian Hayes rode another Mullins horse Mr Incredible in the National last year, when unseating at The Chair.

Appreciate It (IRE) 🇮🇪

The former Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Appreciate It will be looking to become the oldest National winner since Pineau De Re, who was 11 when he won in 2014.

He’ll be running in the National for the first time and will head to the race in winning form after a 2m5f G2 Chase win at Thurles in January.

The jockey bookings for Appreciate It are a bit harder to work out – but Sean O’Keeffe has ridden him in two of his last three – including winning on him last time out – so could keep the ride.

He rode Adamantly Chosen for Mullins in the race last year – but finished last of the 21 to finish.

Minella Cocooner (IRE) 🇮🇪

We saw a ‘Minella’ run third (Indo) last year and another ‘Minella Times’ win in 2021 – so will we get another good run from this namesake in Minella Cocooner?

Well, Danny Mullins seems to think so in a recent video he posted (watch below) – saying this horse seems to like this time of the year.

Backed up by running well in the 2024 Irish National (3rd) and winning the Bet365 Gold Cup last spring.

Danny Mullins also rode the horse in both those races and has partnered him in five of his last six in total – including last time out in the Bobbyjo Chase (4th).

However, it’s since been confirmed that Mullins has booked Jonathan Burke to ride Minella Cocooner.

Burke has ridden in the Grand National five times in the past – he’s yet to win the race, with a 5th on Goonyella in 2016 his best finish to date.

Meetingofthewaters (IRE) 🇮🇪

As mentioned, this 8 year-old ran a cracking race to be 7th in the Grand National last year and is back off a pound lower mark and a year older (8).

He was also right in the mix around the elbow – only to fade to be beaten 16 lengths.

This race would have been the target again since then – with just three average runs this season, including one over hurdles to most likely protect his mark. While on slightly better ground (was soft last year) he could have a better chance of lasting out.

In terms of jockeys – Mark Walsh – will have to make a call as to ride him or Perceval Legallois – but you feel if he picks Meetingofthewaters his price with the best horse racing betting sites in the UK will shorten a fair bit.

Last year Walsh rode the Grand National joint-favourite Limerick Lace – but was only 10th.