The Grand National 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling event with a confirmed line-up of 34 runners set to compete at Aintree on Saturday, April 5, 2025, starting at 4.15 PM. This year, the iconic race has seen a reduction in the number of horses participating, down from 40 to 34, a change that was first implemented in 2023.
Last year’s champion, I Am Maximus, will be back in contention, ridden by Paul Townend, as he aims to defend his title. The excitement surrounding the race has intensified with the recent withdrawal of several notable horses, including the initial favorite, Inothewayurthinkin. Following his impressive Gold Cup victory at Cheltenham last week, trainer Gavin Cromwell made the decision to withdraw Inothewayurthinkin from the Grand National. Cromwell explained, "It was tempting, but I'm very happy with the decision not to go there. He's only a seven-year-old, we've worked hard on his jumping this season and it's progressed.” He further praised Keith Donoghue, who has been instrumental in the horse’s development, stating, "We're in a good place and I don't think it would be the right thing to do to go to the Grand National and potentially unravel that."
With Inothewayurthinkin out of the running, the spotlight now shifts to Intense Raffles, who is tipped to be the new favorite with odds of 6/1. This change in dynamics adds an extra layer of intrigue to the prestigious event, as fans eagerly anticipate which horse will take the lead in the race.
In addition to Inothewayurthinkin, several other horses will not be participating in this year’s Grand National. Galvin, who was pulled up in the Cheltenham Cross Country race, along with Gentlemansgame and Monty's Star, who finished third and fourth respectively in the Gold Cup, will also miss out. Notably, Grade 1 champion Envoi Allen will not be competing, and horses such as Git Maker, Gericault Roque, Trelawne, Limerick Lace, Pinkerton, and The Real Whacker have also been withdrawn.
The full confirmed line-up for the 2025 Grand National includes:
- 1. Am Maximus
- 2. Royale Pagaille
- 3. Nick Rockett
- 4. L'homme Presse
- 5. Grangeclare West
- 6. Hewick
- 7. Minella Indo
- 8. Appreciate It
- 9. Capodanno
- 10. Minella Cocooner
- 11. Conflated
- 12. Stumptown
- 13. Hitman
- 14. Beauport
- 15. Bravemansgame
- 16. Chantry House
- 17. Threeunderthrufive
- 18. Perceval Legallois
- 19. Kandoo Kid
- 20. Iroko
- 21. Intense Raffles
- 22. Senior Chief
- 23. Idas Boy
- 24. Mr Incredible
- 25. Fil Dor
- 26. Broadway Boy
- 27. Coko Beach
- 28. Farouk d'Alene
- 29. Stay Away Fay
- 30. Velvet Elvis
- 31. Minella Drama
- 32. Meetingofthewaters
- 33. Monbeg Genius
- 34. Vanillier
As the excitement builds for the Grand National, local authorities are preparing for a massive influx of visitors. More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the Grand National Festival, which runs from April 3 to April 5, 2025. To accommodate the crowds, transport services are being ramped up significantly. Merseyrail has announced that trains will run every seven-and-a-half minutes between Liverpool city centre and Aintree, doubling the usual 15-minute service on the Northern Line.
These enhanced services will operate from 11 AM to 2 PM before the races and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM afterwards. However, some adjustments will be made to other parts of the network to facilitate these additional services. The Ormskirk branch will see a reduced service, while the Southport branch will have slight timetable changes. Additionally, trains on the Headbolt Lane branch will terminate at Sandhills during peak times, requiring passengers to change trains to reach Aintree.
Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, emphasized the importance of planning ahead for racegoers. He stated, "The Grand National is one of the highlights in the city region sporting calendar, bringing thousands of people into the area to enjoy the world’s biggest horse race. We want everyone to enjoy themselves so it’s important that racegoers think ahead and plan their journeys to avoid any disappointment."
Racegoers are encouraged to consider walking or cycling where possible, utilizing public transport, and purchasing tickets in advance to ensure a smooth experience. With transport services expected to be busier than usual, staying informed about any changes will be crucial. Up-to-date travel advice can be found on the Merseytravel website, ensuring that visitors have the latest information at their fingertips.
As the Grand National approaches, anticipation continues to build, not just for the race itself, but for the vibrant atmosphere that accompanies this iconic event. With a mix of seasoned competitors and new challengers, fans are in for an unforgettable experience at Aintree.
