As the anticipation builds for the 2025 Grand National at Aintree, the spotlight is once again on defending champion I Am Maximus, who is set to team up with jockey Paul Townend in a bid to secure back-to-back victories in the iconic steeplechase on Saturday, April 5, 2025. I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, made headlines last year when he galloped to victory, but this time he faces a significant challenge with a rise in handicap ratings. He will be aiming to become the first horse since Red Rum in the 1970s to carry top weight to victory.
This year’s Grand National will feature 34 runners, with the race scheduled to kick off at 16:00. Among I Am Maximus’ rivals is the antepost favorite, Iroko, who has been a long-term target for connections since finishing second behind the subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin at last year's Aintree meeting. Other notable contenders include Stumptown, the winner of the Cross Country Chase, and Hewick, who triumphed in the 2023 King George VI Chase.
The stakes are high as the Grand National is not just a race; it’s a cultural event that draws millions of viewers worldwide. The race is known for its unpredictability, and with the weather forecast predicting dry conditions, the chances for several horses may shift. For instance, Royale Pagaille's chances are reportedly diminishing due to the anticipated dry ground.
As the clock ticks down to the race, the lineup is confirmed, and the following horses will take to the starting line:
- I Am Maximus - Paul Townend
- Royale Pagaille - Charlie Deutsch
- Nick Rockett - Patrick Mullins
- Grangeclare West - Brian Hayes
- Hewick - Gavin Sheehan
- Minella Indo - Rachael Blackmore
- Appreciate It - Sean O’Keeffe
- Minella Cocooner - Jonathan Burke
- Conflated - Jordan Gainford
- Stumptown - Keith Donoghue
- Hitman - Freddie Gingell
- Beauport - Sam Twiston-Davies
- Bravemansgame - James Reveley
- Chantry House - James Bowen
- Threeunderthrufive - Harry Skelton
- Perceval Legallois - Mark Walsh
- Kandoo Kid - Harry Cobden
- Iroko - Jonjo O’Neill Jr
- Intense Raffles - JJ Slevin
- Senior Chief - Darragh O’Keeffe
- Idas Boy - Harry Bannister
- Fil Dor - Sam Ewing
- Broadway Boy - Tom Bellamy
- Coko Beach - Jody McGarvey
- Stay Away Fay - Paul O’Brien
- Meetingofthewaters - Danny Mullins
- Monbeg Genius - Nick Scholfield
- Vanillier - Sean Flanagan
- Horantzau D’Airy - Ciaran Gethings
- Hyland - Nico de Boinville
- Celebre D’Allen - Micheal Nolan
- Three Card Brag - Sean Bowen
- Twig - Beau Morgan
- Duffle Coat - Danny Gilligan
The deadline for any last-minute changes to the lineup was set for 13:00 on Friday, April 4, 2025, ensuring that all connections had time to finalize their preparations for the race. As the excitement reaches a fever pitch, the betting markets are buzzing with speculation. I Am Maximus is currently among the favorites, with odds reflecting the confidence in his ability to perform on the grand stage.
In the lead-up to the race, expert opinions are rolling in. Former jockey Mick Fitzgerald expressed his thoughts on the favorites, saying, "I think one of the specialty bets is JP McManus to win the race. Just I Am Maximus and Iroko alone are well fancied." He emphasized the importance of considering the drier ground this year, which could impact I Am Maximus' performance. Fitzgerald also highlighted the potential of Minella Indo, stating, "He’s a 12-year-old and the stats are going against him but he’s got the class and I can see him arriving there with every chance."
Another tipster, Tom Collins, echoed similar sentiments regarding the strength of JP McManus' horses, particularly Iroko and I Am Maximus. He noted, "Iroko is the young gun on the scene. He’s unexposed and ready to run a big race after a couple of rides that haven’t seen him at his best." Meanwhile, Chris Wright from the Liverpool Echo has his eye on Perceval Legallois, predicting he could come out on top, with Vanillier and Nick Rockett also in contention for the podium finishes.
The Grand National is not only a test of speed and endurance but also a showcase of strategy and skill. With the potential for surprises around every corner, fans and punters alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating race. As the horses prepare to thunder down the Aintree course, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in this year’s Grand National?
With the race just around the corner, it’s time to place your bets and get ready for an afternoon filled with excitement, drama, and the chance to witness history in the making. Will I Am Maximus defend his title, or will a new champion rise to the occasion? Only time will tell as the horses prepare to take on the challenge of Aintree.
