Grand National 2025 Runners Guide And 5-Star Ratings For All 34 Entries

With the world’s biggest jumps race on the horizon SportsCasting’s horse racing expert Andy Newton gives you his Grand National 2025 runners guide, plus 5-star ratings for ALL 34 entries.

Grand National 2025 Runners Headed By Two 7 Year-Olds 

There will be a maximum of 34 Grand National 2025 runners that will line-up for the big Aintree race on Saturday 5th April – with the best horse racing betting sites in the UK seeing two young horses near the top of the market.

Last year’s Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles is one of these fancied 7 year-olds – as he looks to emulate I Am Maximus and win both races.

While the JP McManus-owned Iroko is another 7 year-old near the head of the market as he looks to give his popular Irish owner a fourth success in the Grand National.

However, those who love their Grand National trends will look at the age of both these horses as negatives. This is because we’ve only seen two Grand National-winning 7 year-olds since 1940.

Can one of these runners defy this stat?

Grand National Runners Guide and 5-Star Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

1. I Am Maximus (FR) 🇮🇪

Last year’s winner and looking to become only the sixth back-to-back National winner in the history of the race. Is rated 8lbs higher this time and will carry 6lbs more in racing weight.

Is also the 2025 Grand National topweight with 11st 12lbs – so will also need to become the first horse to win with such a burden since Red Rum carried 12st in 1974.

Despite all this, is certainly not without a chance of following up – having won by 7 1/2 lengths last season and has been kept fresh for this with only two runs this season. If he can win again, would also provide Willie Mullins with a third win and owner JP McManus with a fourth.

Likely to go off as favourite and if he can win as market leader again – it will be the first time the race has seen three winning jollies on the bounce.

Sure to run another big race despite big weight

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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2. Royale Pagaille (FR) 🇬🇧

Classy on his day – but is a much better horse when running at Haydock – with five of his six chase wins coming there. Also, a much better horse with plenty of cut in the ground, so will need the heavens to open up between now and race day.

On a plus, is trained by Venetia Williams, who won the National in 2009 with shock 100/1 winner Mon Mome.

However, at the age of 11, a big weight, on quicker ground than he likes, plus running in the race for the first time – you feel it’s a big ask.

Star Rating: ⭐

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3. Nick Rockett (IRE) 🇮🇪

Another of the Willie Mullins runners and certainly has a chance. This 8 year beat one of the big Grand National favourites – Intense Raffles – in the Bobbyjo Chase last time out by 3/4 of a length by is 15lbs worse off this time.

Is also another with a big weight (11-8) – so will need to become only the second horse to win carrying this much since 1977.

Past winners Hedgehunter (2005) and I Am Maximus (2024) won the Bobbyjo Chase before winning the National and his age looks ideal – with 5 of the last 9 winners aged 8.

Staying power assured – not without claims.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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4. Grangeclare West (IRE) 🇮🇪

The next Grand National 2025 runner for Willie Mullins and will head here having only had six past runs over fences.

Ran on well in the Irish Gold Cup back in February behind Galopin Des Champs and had Fact To File back in third that day too.

The form of that run has been mixed since with Fact To File impressing in the Ryanair Chase, but Galopin Des Champs running below par in the Gold Cup.

Another, that due to his class, is not without a chance – and has certainly run in the past as if this longer trip will suit.

However, this will be his first run in the race and with just six career outings over fences and eleven in total, his lack of experience might be his downfall. And has a big weight – only one winner since 1978 has carried 11st 8lbs or more.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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5. Hewick (IRE) 🇮🇪

Bargain buy Irish horse that is the latest ‘rags-to-riches’ equine story – having won the 2023 King George VI Chase.

Has only won once since, but that came last time out over hurdles at Thurles, which will have him spot-on for this.

Best on a quicker surface, so connections will be hoping the rain stays away – but has proven stamina having won the Bet365 Gold Cup over 3m5f in the past.

Fell in the 2023 Gold Cup at Cheltenham and will be his first run in the National.

Another with a big weight, but if the ground stays dry, could go well.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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6. Minella Indo (IRE) 🇮🇪

Former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner (2021) and was a cracking third in the National last year. Is back for more aged 12 and rated a pound lower than 12 months ago.

We know the track and trip will suit and will get a 9lb weight pull with last year’s winner I Am Maximus from last year.

Also looks set to be the Grand National ride for Rachael Blackmore, so the advice it to get on now before the price drops.

Looks one of the lively each-way players. But the last winning 12 year-old was Amberleigh House in 2004.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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7. Appreciate It (IRE) 🇮🇪

Another of the older Grand National runners as this 11 year-old will be looking to join the likes of Pineau De Re, Auroras Encore and Neptune Collonges as fairly recent 11 year-old winners.

Former Cheltenham Festival winner too – when landing the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2021.

Lost his way a bit over the last few seasons, but showed he still retains his ability with a win at Thurles in January and has since been kept fresh for this.

This will, however, be his first run in the race and the trip is the big unknown for this Willie Mullins entry.

Star Rating: ⭐

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8. Minella Cocooner (IRE) 🇮🇪

It’s that man again – Willie Mullins.

This 9 year-old won’t lack for stamina having won the 2024 Bet365 Gold Cup over 3m 4 1/2f and is another that ran in this season’s Bobbyjo Chase. He was fourth there, beaten just over 8 lengths, but has a 6lb pull with the winner Nick Rockett.

Was also a fine third in the Irish National last season – beaten only 4 lengths to Intense Raffles – but has a 2lb pull in his favour this time.

First run in the race and acts on all ground types – so if taking to the fences looks one of the more interesting Closutton runners away from last year’s winner I Am Maximus.

Stays and likes this time of year.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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9. Conflated (IRE) 🇮🇪

Owned by the Gigginstown House Stud, who have three Grand National wins to their name. But this former Savills Chase (2022) winner hasn’t won a race since that day and is now 15 races without success.

On a plus, showed his liking for Aintree when second to Jonbon in the Melling Chase here last season – but that was over 2m4f – and was runner-up in the Bowl in 2022.

Will, however, be his first run in the National and the trip is the big concern after running well down the field in the Cross Country race over 3m 5 1/2f at the Cheltenham November Meeting.

A bit long in the tooth now and the Gordon Elliott yard not in the best of form.

Star Rating: ⭐

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10. Stumptown (IRE) 🇮🇪

Will be a big player in the National this year – based on his win in the Cross Country Chase at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. That race is one of the best recent trials for this race – with Tiger Roll winning both and last year’s runner-up Delta Work also winning that race in 2023.

His mark remains the same as his Cheltenham win and will head to Aintree having won his last four. This will be his first run in the National but having shown a liking for the Cross Country fences, many feel this test will be right up his street.

Those looking to take him on might point to this race coming a bit soon (24 days) after that Festival success – but he’s still only had three races this season. Is also the perfect age – with 5 of the last 9 National winners aged 8.

Will be bidding to give Gold Cup-winning trainer Gavin Cromwell his first National win – and from a strong army, looks his best chance of doing so.

In the form of his life and loves these type of fences – big chance.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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11. Hitman (FR) 🇬🇧

Does have a habit of coming second – with his last three races all silver finishes.

Is another of the Paul Nicholls Grand National runners too and has run well at Aintree several times before – despite never winning at the Liverpool track. Was last seen running second in the G2 Denman Chase at Newbury in February and has been freshened up for this since.

The trip is the unknown – with the furthest he’s gone 3m, when pulled up in the 2022 King George, but if switched off by jockey Freddie Gingell could hunt round and outrun his big odds.

Sports the tongue-tie too – and 5 of the last 7 winners have worn one.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐

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12. Beauport (IRE) 🇬🇧

Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies knows a thing or two about winning the National – after taking the prize money with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002).

Beauport will the latest horse to try and add to that and is already a National winner – when taking the Midlands version in 2024.

So, stamina is assured and based on that has to have a squeak – but he is rated a massive 16lbs higher than that Uttoxeter win which will make life a lot harder. Will be running in the race for the first time.

Stamina assured but is he in the handicapper’s grip?

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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13. Bravemansgame (FR) 🇬🇧

If returning to the form of his 2022 King George VI win, then he would be a big player off a mark of 155 – but that is a ‘big’ if.

He’s lost his way since and hasn’t won a race since that 2022 Kempton win – and is now 11 races with no win.

Was last seen running third in the Denman Chase with stablemate Hitman just over 6 lengths ahead of him. James Reveley comes into ride this Paul Nicholls horse for the first time – in what will also be his debut National outing.

In short, he’s certainly got the back class to be go well – but he’s a horse with plenty to prove. Maybe a new rider will spark him back to life.

Classy on his day, expected to stay – but plenty to prove.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐

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14. Chantry House (IRE) 🇬🇧

Another of the old-timers at 11 and will run for trainer Nicky Henderson, who has never won the National.

Showed he still loves his racing when winning a fair handicap at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day – but his up 5lbs for that and that was his first win from his last 12.

Won the 2021 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree but is running in the National for the first time.

Big ask at his age.

Star Rating: ⭐

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15. Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 🇬🇧

Another of the Paul Nicholls Grand National runners and his consistent profile will make him a lively outsider – having hit the top three in 10 of his 16 chase starts (5 wins).

Last seen running a fine second to Victtorino at Ascot in the Swinley Handicap Chase – a race he won the season before.

Running in the National for the first time and is another with small trip concerns – having faded over 3m 5f in the Bet365 Gold Cup last season.

But was placed(4th) in the 2023 Scottish National which suggests he’ll be fine.

Place claims with and will be ridden by Harry Skelton.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐

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16. Perceval Legallois (FR) 🇮🇪

Aged 8 and with a nice racing weight of 10-12, this JP McManus runner is sure to have many backers.

He’s improved this season too – winning his last two at Leopardstown – with the last coming over hurdles at the Dublin Racing Festival to protect his handicap mark over fences.

Those against him will look to him only having 9 runs over fences (2 wins) but is a fair jumper that is clearly on the up.

Will come into the race fresher than most too – having a two-month break and seems to act well on all ground.

First run in the race but looks another big player for the Gavin Cromwell yard. And is also the pick of JP’s main rider Mark Walsh.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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17. Kandoo Kid (FR) 🇬🇧

Will be looking to become only the fourth different grey horse to win the National and not without a chance after winning the Coral Gold Cup (Hennessy) at Newbury at the end of November.

Has since run below par in the Greatwood Gold Cup (8th), but his trainer Paul Nicholls has said the National is the race he’s been trained for.

Will also be the ride of Harry Cobden and has form over the National fences – having run third in the 2024 Topham Chase at this meeting last year.

Nicholls won the National with a grey horse in 2012 – can he do it again with Kandoo Kid?

Can’t be ruled out and looks the Paul Nicholls best chance from his five runners.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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18. Iroko (FR) 🇬🇧

Another of the high-profile Grand National 2025 runners - but is also another aged 7 - and we've only seen two winners of this age since 1940.

On a plus, won the Irish National last season - which is the same route the 2024 winner I Am Maximus took.

Like Iroko also has a nice racing weight with 10-10 and actually beat Iroko when the pair raced in France over hurdles as 3 year-olds.

His stamina is proven too and is a sound jumper so this first try in the National should suit. He was last seen running a close second to Nick Rockett in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse - but has a massive 15lb swing with that horse now.

Big looking chance at the weights, but his young age is the concern.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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20. Senior Chief (GB) 🇮🇪

Won over 3m1f at the Cheltenham October Meeting and was pulled up in the Irish National last season - was hampered by a faller that day, but beaten at the time.

Has also run 6th behind Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and been freshened up with a spin over hurdles at Naas at the end of February.

Acts on all ground and if taking to the fences on his debut run in the race could be another live outsider for the 2021 winning yard.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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21. Idas Boy (IRE) 🇬🇧

Former Noel Meade runner that is now with Richard Phillips. Will be fitter for a recent hurdles run at Doncaster but has fallen in two of his last six chase runs.

First run in the race and would be a bigger shock than Mon Mome's 2009 success at 100/1.

Star Rating: ⭐

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22. Fil Dor (FR) 🇮🇪

Expensive €630k purchase out of the well-published A & G Brown Dispersal sale in February 2024 - but has only won once since and that came as a 1/40 shot in a two-horse race.

Is also another aged 7, so will have this stat to overcome and despite only having 10-9 to carry and being classy a few seasons ago - is on a recovery mission over a trip he's not proven over.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐

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23. Broadway Boy (IRE) 🇬🇧

Another from the two-time National-winning yard of Nigel Twiston-Davies, but also another horse aged 7.

Has had an in-and-out season - running a fine second in the Coral Gold Cup to Kandoo Kid, but has since been pulled-up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

Won a novice handicap hurdle at Aintree back in 2022 but will be running in the National for the first time. Low weight helps and should stay but no win in last seven the negative.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐

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24. Coko Beach (FR) 🇮🇪

11th in the National last year, pulled up in 2023 and ran 8th in 2022 - so this will be his fourth try in the race.

Is back rated 11lbs lower than last year though and will carry 13lbs less in racing weight.

Second at Punchestown over the bank fences in February, but well back in the Cheltenham Cross Country behind Stumptown last time out.

Is also another Grand National grey horse in the race - so will be looking to be only the fourth different 'silver fox' winner.

Would be a massive ask after three previous runs in the race - but, on a plus, is racing off his lowest rating/weight.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐

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25. Stay Away Fay (IRE) 🇬🇧

The final of the Paul Nicholls Grand National runners and will be ridden by Paul O'Brien.

Has lost his way since winning the 2023 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and been pulled up in three of his last four starts.

Last seen running a fair 11th in the Ultima Handicap at the Festival - but was still beaten 44 lengths.

Has the back form to go well - but need to find it.

Star Rating: ⭐

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26. Meetingofthewaters (IRE) 🇮🇪

The lowest-weighted Willie Mullins horse in the race and another for JP McManus.

Was a fine 7th in the race last year - only beaten 16 lengths and is only a pound higher this time.

Prior to that was 3rd in the 2024 Ultima Handicap but this season has run three average races at Leopardstown.

But could bounce back and has gone well in the race before - however, having faded in the closing stages last year will he get home?

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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27. Monbeg Genius (IRE) 🇬🇧

Trained by Jonjo O'Neill, who won the National in 2010 with Don't Push It - but never rode the winner when a jockey.

This 9 year-old looks an interesting player with just 10-6 to carry having bounced back to form last time when winning at Uttoxeter.

Before that was also 4th in the Welsh National this season and is only 3lbs higher.

Will be running in the race for the first time - but gets in with just 10-6 and having won with 12st last time this will feel like a featherweight.

Looks to be one of the better middle-priced outsiders in the race.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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28. Vanillier (FR) 🇮🇪

Another grey National horse this year and a name that punters will know - having run second in 2023 and 14th last year.

Was also runner-up in the 2023 Irish National - so staying this trip is fine.

Back on a 4lb lower mark that last year too - but was beaten 42 lengths so still a lot of ground to make up.

Last seen running well in the Cross Country race at the Festival (3rd) - beaten 8 1/4 lengths - but meets the winner Stumptown on the same terms.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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29. Horantzau d'Airy (FR) 🇬🇧

Rare Newmarket-based runner in the race for Michael Keady.

This 8 year-old was formerly with Willie Mullins, but after losing his way moved to England recently to join Keady. Was also 9th in the Coral Gold Cup to Kandoo Kid - beaten 20 lengths.

Runner up in the 2024 Munster National and Kerry National - so not without his 'National' history - but will be running in this race for the first time.

But eight runs with no wins - so hard to fancy.

Star Rating: ⭐

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30. Hyland (FR) 🇬🇧

Trainer Nicky Henderson has had 43 runners in the National so far and is yet to get in the winners' enclosure.

He'll have a top chance of break his duck, however, with Hyland - who needs just one horse to come out to make the final 34 runners.

This is another of the 2025 Grand National grey horses too - so he'll be looking to become only the fourth different grey winner. But with just 10-6 gets in with a featherweight.

He's also aged 8 and this has been top age for recent National winners - with 4 of the last 7 going to 8 year-olds. This will be the furthest he's gone - but that applies to the bulk of the 2025 Grand National runners, but he has won over 3m 1/2f in the past.

Is also best on a faster surface so Hendo will be hoping any rain stays away in what will also be his first run in the race. The negative is that he's only raced six times over fences, but has won 50% of those and on the whole is a sound jumper.

Looks to hold a big chance and if sneaking into the race you feel he'll be one of those for money in the days leading up to the race.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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31. Celebre d'Allen  (FR) 🇬🇧

Has experience of these fences - having run over them three times, just never in the National. He was 8th in the 2023 Topham, 4th in the 2023 Becher Chase and also 4th in last year's Topham Chase here.

But at the age of 13 would be the oldest winner since Sergeant  Murphy won aged 13 in 1923.

Star Rating: ⭐

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32. Three Card Brag (IRE) 🇮🇪

Lightly-raced with just six runs over fences (1 win), so could have more to come with a low weight. Was also a fair third in a Grade 2 Novice Chase at Navan last time out over 3m and only beaten 7 1/4 lengths to Spillane's Tower off level weights in last season's Champion Novices' Chase at the 2024 Punchestown Festival.

Certainly not without a chance from a yard that no the time of day in this race, off a low weight and is the perfect age at 8.

But another from the Gordon Elliott yard, who are not in the best of form.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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33. Twig (GB) 🇬🇧

Fifth in the William Hill Handicap at this meeting last season and also runner-up in the 2023 Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, which is a race that's been a fair guide to the National in recent years.

Star Rating: ⭐

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34 Duffle Coat (IRE) 🇮🇪

Was brought down in the NH Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March and runner-up in the 2024 Galway Plate last summer.

Hails from the Gordon Elliott yard who have three wins to his name, but has only won one of his last 27 races.

Has got into the race as the final runner - number 34.

Star Rating: ⭐

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2025 Aintree Grand National Race Details

📅Date: Saturday 5th April 2025
⌚Time: 4:00pm
🏇Racecourse: Aintree
🔄Trip: 4m 2 1/2f
💷Winner: £500,000
📺 TV: ITV / Racing TV

You can see the full 2025 Aintree Grand National Festival race schedule, running order and TV channels.