The Grand National festival, one of the U.K.'s premier horse racing events, returns this weekend with excitement building as last year's champion, I Am Maximus, seeks to defend his title. The event is set to take place at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 4 p.m. BST, featuring a thrilling lineup of 38 horses competing for a share of the £1 million prize pot, with the winner taking home a staggering £500,000.
This year’s Grand National promises to be an exhilarating contest, as I Am Maximus, the nine-year-old horse carrying 11st 12lb, looks to emulate the legendary Red Rum, who was the last horse to carry top weight and emerge victorious back in 1974. The competition will be fierce, with 37 other contenders eager to claim their share of the prize money.
Among the favorites, alongside I Am Maximus, are Stumptown and Iroko, both of whom have shown strong performances in recent races. Iroko, Stumptown, and I Am Maximus all currently share odds of 8/1, making them the top picks among bookmakers. Other notable contenders include Perceval Legallois and Minella Cocooner at 12/1, while Vanillier and Hewick are listed at 10/1.
The festival kicked off with Day 1 on Thursday, April 4, 2025, featuring the William Hill Aintree Hurdle, and continued on Ladies Day, where the My Pension Expert Melling Chase was the highlight. The entire three-day festival is being broadcast on ITVX, with the Grand National race specifically airing on ITV1.
The prize money distribution for the Grand National is as follows: £500,000 for the winner, £200,000 for second place, £100,000 for third, £65,000 for fourth, £40,000 for fifth, and smaller amounts down to £5,000 for the tenth place finisher. This substantial prize pool reflects the Grand National's status as one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar.
Recent winners of the Grand National include I Am Maximus in 2024, who won at odds of 7/1, followed by Corach Rambler in 2023 at 8/1, and Noble Yeats in 2022 at 50/1. The history of the Grand National is rich, dating back to its inception in 1950, when Freebooter claimed the inaugural victory.
As the festival progresses, fans and punters alike are keeping a close eye on the odds and betting offers available for Ladies Day. Various betting promotions have been made available, including offers like Bet £5 Get £30 in free bets and Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets, enticing many to place their bets ahead of the big race.
Harry Wilson, a top tipster, has provided insights into the races, suggesting Caldwell Potter as a strong contender in the Mildmay Novices' Chase, while Chris Wright has backed Jonbon to win the Melling Chase, highlighting the competitive nature of the races leading up to the Grand National.
In addition to the thrilling horse racing, the Grand National festival is also known for its vibrant atmosphere and fashion-forward attendees. Ladies Day, celebrated on April 4, 2025, showcased glamorous outfits and style awards, with prizes for the best-dressed racegoers. This year, River Island sponsored the Style Awards, where two lucky winners will walk away with a £3,000 voucher, along with other prizes worth over £1,000.
As the gates opened for Ladies Day, racegoers arrived in stunning outfits, with a focus on sustainable fashion becoming increasingly popular. Attendees like Lucy Nesbitt and Grace Kelly were spotted sporting vintage finds, while others showcased high-street fashion from River Island.
The weather for the festival has been favorable, with forecasters predicting dry and sunny conditions, much to the delight of attendees. This year's festival has seen temperatures reaching highs of 19°C, creating an ideal environment for both racing and socializing.
With the Grand National just around the corner, excitement continues to build as fans prepare for one of the most thrilling events in the horse racing calendar. The anticipation of seeing if I Am Maximus can successfully defend his title adds an extra layer of intrigue to this year's race.
As the festival unfolds, all eyes will be on Aintree, where history could be made, and new champions could rise. The Grand National is not just a race; it’s a spectacle that captivates the hearts of millions, uniting fans of horse racing across the globe.
