The excitement is palpable as the 2025 Grand National Festival kicks off at Aintree, showcasing a thrilling seven-race card that promises to be a feast for horse racing fans. With the Grand National looming on Saturday, April 5, the opening day, Thursday, April 3, features a host of top-tier races including four Grade 1 contests and the Foxhunters’ Chase.
Among the standout horses is Nicky Henderson's Jango Baie, who recently triumphed in the Grade 1 Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Backed to finish in the top three in the 13:45 race at Aintree, he’s been given a super-boosted price of 1/12.00 from 2/51.40. His remarkable performance at Cheltenham saw him pull off one of the most dramatic victories in recent memory, and expectations are high for him to follow up on that success.
Another horse to watch is Gordon Elliott’s Croke Park, who is on a revenge mission at Aintree after a disappointing hurdle season last year. Croke Park has shown significant improvement this season, winning three of his four starts, and despite a five-length defeat to Ballyburn at the DRF last time out, he enters the 13:45 race with a drifted price of 4/15.00 this morning. Elliott expressed his disappointment with Croke Park's previous season, noting that the horse was still growing and needed more time to develop. Now, he appears ready to make a strong statement.
In the 14:20 race, Puturhandstogether is another contender to keep an eye on. After earning a Timeform rating of 136 for his impressive six-length victory in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, he’s been raised 13 pounds but remains a strong candidate for success at Aintree. The conditions are expected to suit him well, and the market reflects confidence in his chances at a price of 6/42.50.
Spillane's Tower, who missed Cheltenham after a lackluster performance in the King George, is also set to compete in the 14:55 race. His trainer, Jimmy Mangan, believes that skipping the Ryanair was beneficial, considering the ground conditions. Spillane's Tower had a breakout season last year and is looking to regain his form, particularly after a strong second place in the John Durkan last term.
As the day progresses, the final race features Seo Linn, who enters the 17:15 race as a fresh competitor after an impressive win at the Cheltenham November meeting. She displayed remarkable speed, recording quick furlongs of 12.62 and 12.36 during her last performance, indicating her potential to make a significant impact at Aintree.
The Grand National Festival is not just about the races; it’s a celebration of the sport. The event culminates in the Grand National, where last year's winner, I Am Maximus, will attempt to create history by being the first runner carrying top weight to win since Red Rum in the 1970s. Only Tiger Roll has successfully defended his title since then, making the stakes even higher for this year's competitors.
As the excitement builds, the festival also features the inaugural David Power Jockeys’ Cup, with a mega £1.5 million prize fund up for grabs on Friday. The leading jockeys and trainers will be looking to capitalize on the opportunities presented over the three-day event.
Each race promises to bring its share of drama and excitement, with expert tips and predictions circulating among fans and punters alike. Sam Turner from the Independent has provided insights into the key runners for the day, including Jango Baie, who is expected to shine again after his Cheltenham success.
In the 1:45 race, Jango Baie is tipped to win, while Gidleigh Park is also a strong contender. The 2:20 race sees Puturhandstogether as a favorite, with Filibustering offering value as an each-way play. The 2:55 race features Grey Dawning, who has been specifically campaigned for this event, and Constitution Hill is expected to bounce back in the 3:30 race after his fall at Cheltenham.
The 4:05 race will showcase My Drogo, a horse with a strong history at Aintree, while the 4:40 race features last year’s winner, Sans Bruit, looking to replicate his success. Calico, another contender in the 4:40, is expected to perform well given his previous form.
With the first day of the Grand National Festival upon us, fans are eagerly anticipating the action. Each competitor brings their unique story and potential for glory, setting the stage for a memorable week of racing.
As we gear up for an incredible day of racing at Aintree, one thing is for sure: the thrill of the Grand National Festival is unmatched, and the excitement is just beginning.
