The Randox Grand National Festival is officially underway, kicking off on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Aintree Racecourse, a highlight in the National Hunt calendar that promises thrilling action and a showcase of some of the best talent in horse racing. This year, the festival is expected to attract over 150,000 racegoers, with the three-day event projected to boost the local economy by approximately £60 million.
The opening day features a stellar lineup, headlined by the Aintree Hurdle, where two titans of the sport, Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth, are set to face off. Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson, is looking to bounce back from a fall at the Cheltenham Festival, while Lossiemouth, fresh off a victory in the Mares’ Hurdle, aims to extend her winning streak. As the excitement builds, the atmosphere at Aintree is electric.
Today’s race card is packed with action, beginning with the Manifesto Novices’ Chase at 13:45, followed by several other Grade 1 races. The full schedule includes:
- 13:45: Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
- 14:20: Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 14:55: Aintree Bowl (Grade 1)
- 15:30: Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 16:05: Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase
- 16:40: Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
- 17:15: Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2)
The ground conditions at Aintree have been reported as Good to Soft, with the weather forecast predicting a sunny day with temperatures reaching up to 19 degrees Celsius. This favorable weather is expected to enhance the racing experience for both participants and spectators alike.
As the festival progresses, all eyes will soon turn to the Grand National itself, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 16:00. This iconic race will feature a confirmed lineup of 34 horses, including last year’s champion, I Am Maximus, who is aiming to defend his title under the guidance of trainer Willie Mullins. The Grand National is renowned for its challenging course, comprising 30 unique fences over a distance of four miles and two furlongs, and is expected to be watched by approximately 600 million viewers worldwide.
The confirmed runners for the Grand National include:
- I Am Maximus (FR) - 9 years old, 11-12, Willie Mullins
- Royale Pagaille (FR) - 11 years old, 11-9, Venetia Williams
- Nick Rockett (IRE) - 8 years old, 11-8, Willie Mullins
- L'Homme Presse (FR) - 10 years old, 11-8, Venetia Williams
- Grangeclare West (IRE) - 9 years old, 11-8, Willie Mullins
- Hewick (IRE) - 10 years old, 11-7, Tara Lee Cogan
- Minella Indo (IRE) - 12 years old, 11-3, Henry de Bromhead
- Appreciate It (IRE) - 11 years old, 11-2, Willie Mullins
- Capodanno (FR) - 9 years old, 11-2, Willie Mullins
- Minella Cocooner (IRE) - 9 years old, 11-2, Willie Mullins
- Conflated (IRE) - 11 years old, 11-2, Gordon Elliott
- Stumptown (IRE) - 8 years old, 11-2, Gavin Cromwell
- Hitman (FR) - 9 years old, 11-1, Paul Nicholls
- Beauport (IRE) - 9 years old, 11-1, Nigel Twiston-Davies
- Bravemansgame (FR) - 10 years old, 11-0, Paul Nicholls
- Chantry House (IRE) - 11 years old, 10-13, Nicky Henderson
- Threeunderthrufive (IRE) - 10 years old, 10-12, Paul Nicholls
- Perceval Legallois (FR) - 8 years old, 10-12, Gavin Cromwell
- Kandoo Kid (FR) - 9 years old, 10-11, Paul Nicholls
- Iroko (FR) - 7 years old, 10-11, Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
- Intense Raffles (FR) - 7 years old, 10-10, Tom Gibney
- Senior Chief (GB) - 8 years old, 10-10, Henry de Bromhead
- Idas Boy (IRE) - 11 years old, 10-10, Richard Phillips
- Mr Incredible (IRE) - 9 years old, 10-9, Sandy Thomson
- Fil Dor (FR) - 7 years old, 10-9, Gordon Elliott
- Broadway Boy (IRE) - 7 years old, 10-9, Nigel Twiston-Davies
- Coko Beach (FR) - 10 years old, 10-9, Gordon Elliott
- Farouk d'Alene (FR) - 10 years old, 10-9, Gary Brown
- Stay Away Fay (IRE) - 8 years old, 10-9, Paul Nicholls
- Velvet Elvis (IRE) - 9 years old, 10-7, Gavin Cromwell
- Minella Drama (IRE) - 10 years old, 10-7, Donald McCain
- Meetingofthewaters (IRE) - 8 years old, 10-7, Willie Mullins
- Monbeg Genius (IRE) - 9 years old, 10-6, Jonjo & AJ O'Neill
- Vanillier (FR) - 10 years old, 10-6, Gavin Cromwell
The total prize fund for the Grand National is a staggering £1,000,000, with the winner taking home £500,000. The breakdown of the prize money is as follows:
- First place: £500,000
- Second place: £200,000
- Third place: £100,000
- Fourth place: £65,000
- Fifth place: £40,000
- Sixth place: £30,000
- Seventh place: £20,000
- Eighth place: £15,000
- Ninth place: £10,000
- Tenth place: £5,000
As the excitement builds, fans and enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the thrilling races ahead. Stay tuned for updates and insights as the Aintree Grand National Festival unfolds.
