Grand National 2025: Who Are The Top Contenders?
Grand National 2025 Contenders : What You’ll Learn
- History and Significance: Explore the rich history of the Grand National, its origins, and why it remains a prestigious event in the horse racing calendar.
- Key Contenders and Predictions: Discover the top horses, jockeys, and trainers to watch in the upcoming race, along with expert predictions on who could potentially take the win.
- Impact and Cultural Influence: Understand the cultural impact of the Grand National on British society, including its widespread popularity and how it influences betting, fashion, and entertainment.
What is the Grand National?
The Grand National is the most famous steeplechase in the world, the most-watched global horse race, and a prominent part of British sporting culture.
Knowing as a grueling run, the Grand National race is one of the most unpredictable races on the racing calendar. A 4-mile course of race-ending fences, it is a contest of endurance rather than outright pace.
With the 2025 Grand National fast approaching, attention is once again turning to the potential winners of the prestigious race. Running on Saturday, April 5, from the iconic Aintree Racecourse, this year’s event promises to be another showcase for horse racing betting connoisseurs.
Leading competitors and emerging contenders are all vying to put their name in history. Each horse and jockey pairing offers their own strengths and weaknesses, so bettors need to be strategic.
Below, we have put our sports betting experts to the test, asking them to analyze the field and pinpoint who the bookies have as the top contenders.
Title Image Credit: Mick Atkins/Shutterstock
When is the Grand National?
For 2025, the Grand National is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 5th, at 4:00 PM. This iconic steeplechase event is the highlight of the three-day Aintree Festival, which begins on Thursday, April 3rd, and features Grand Opening Day followed by the popular Ladies Day on Friday.
As the longest national hunt race in Britain, the Grand National attracts global attention, with an estimated 600 million viewers tuning in from over 140 countries.
The festival itself is a major social and sporting occasion, drawing approximately 150,000 spectators to Aintree over the course of the event.
The Grand National’s enduring appeal lies in its unpredictability and the challenge it presents, with 34 horses competing over a grueling 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, navigating 30 formidable obstacles, 14 of which are tackled twice. This makes for a thrilling spectacle that captures the imagination of both racing aficionados and occasional viewers alike.
Current Top 10 Grand National Contenders & Odds
Below are the current top 10 favorite runners for the 2025 Grand National:
1. Iroko
· Current Odds: 8/1 (Bet365)
· Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
· Owner: John P McManus
Iroko is currently listed with odds of 8/1 for the Grand National, making it one of the race favorites. Iroko has been building his career in recent years despite the 7-year-old not being a consistent winner.
The one major victory comes from the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023. This was a run against a competitive field and highlights Iroko’s ability to win through a large field.
He also has experience at Aintree, finishing second in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at the Grand National Festival in April 2024. That experience of the course will serve Iroko well, although a fall at Ascot in December 2024 may still lead to some concerns for bettors.
Known for its smooth jumping technique, Iroko has the stamina for long races, making him a good fit for the grueling Grant National course.
2. Stumptown
· Current Odds: 8/1 (OddsChecker)
· Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
· Owner: Furze Bush Syndicate
Stumptown is heading into the Grand National in race-winning form, having taken victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2025. This built on previous traditional handicap wins at Cheltenham in December 2024.
This has led many to draw comparisons with Tiger Roll, the two-time Grand National winner, which also took a Cheltenham-Aintree double.
It is worth noting that Stumptown has shown winning capabilities outside of Cheltenham, claiming two victories on banks course at Punchestown in May 2024.
This highlights his agility alongside the stamina to handle the Grand National’s 4-mile distance. Bookmakers are placing Stumptown amongst the race favorites, and the statistical profile matches what we have seen from previous winners.
Title Image Credit: Mick Atkins/Shutterstock
3. Intense Raffles
· Current Odds: 9/1(Bet365)
· Trainer: Thomas Gibney
· Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
Intense Raffles has seen his position boosted following its Irish Grand National win on Easter Monday, 2024. That win was significant for his profile as it shows Intense Raffles has good stamina and jumping form. His credentials grew by backing up that win with second place in the Bobbyjo Chase, a notable Grand National trial.
Many experts view Intense Raffles as a good fit for the demanding Grand National course. He has a proven track record and ability to handle long distances and challenging fences. Some may see the position as one of the favorites as a surprise, but Intense Raffles does have a genuine chance of winning the 2025 Grand National.
4. I Am Maximus
· Current Odds: 11/1 (Bet365)
· Trainer: Willie Mullins
· Owner: J P McManus
Last year’s Grand National winner, I Am Maximus, stormed the field to an easy victory in 2024, and he retains his race-winning potential heading into 2025. Some may argue the reduced field in 2024 favored I Am Maximus, but he still demonstrated the stamina and resilience necessary to win on the Aintree course.
In fact, I Am Maximus is known as one of the best jumpers, and his ability to navigate the demanding jumps of the National will be a key factor. A regular winner in chases, he has won four of the 12 he has run, taking second two times and third once.
With a legacy already set at Aintree, I Am Maximus has a great chance of becoming an all-time great by becoming a multiple champion.
5. Hewick
· Current Odds: 11/1 (OddsChecker)
· Trainer: John Joseph Hanlon
· Owner: T J McDonald
Some forecasters see Hewick as a solid choice for bettors under the main favourites. The horse has a considerable winning record that has caught the attention of analysts. The 10-year-old won the 2022 Galway Plate and the 2023 US Grand National Hurdle Stakes. These two major achievements highlight Hewick’s potential for navigating tough races at a winning pace.
Known for his outstanding stamina and versatility on different course types, Hewick’s flexibility will likely mean he will be unfazed by the demands of the Grand National. He also has good stamina over longer races and is a courageous horse over jumps.
Title Image Credit: Mick Atkins/Shutterstock
6. Vanillier
· Current Odds: 14/1 (OddsChecker)
· Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
· Owner: Mrs H M Keaveney
Another horse with a strong record that is flying a little under the radar is Vanillier, a 10-year-old with Grand National and race-winning experience. His biggest achievement came with a second-place finish in the 2023 Grand National. However, Vanillier has also won the 2021 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Those two races are his most notable performances.
As a strong finisher in long-distance positions, Vanillier is a strong consideration for the 2025 Grand National. He has lots of agility and good stamina and is a horse that can run at a steady pace over a long course. However, it is perhaps his experience of the Aintree course that is the biggest advantage Vanillier has over many in the 2025 field.
7. Perceval Legallois
· Current Odds: 16/1 (OddsChecker)
· Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
· Owner: J P McManus
Perceval Legallois brought itself into winning contention with its victory in the 2023 Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown. This win showed that the 8-year-old can put together a winning run at long distances. Since then, his prospects as a potential Grand National winner have risen.
Perceval Legallois is a horse that has shown good pace and endurance across various race lengths, so he will likely fit well on the unique challenges of Aintree. It is arguable this is a year or two too early for a horse that is still building its reputation, but consistent performances mean Perceval is one to watch this year, too.
8. Kandoo Kid
· Current Odds: 20/1 (OddsChecker)
· Trainer: Paul Nicholls
· Owner: Michael Geoghegan
Kandoo Kid is another horse that is maturing into a race winner following victory at the 2023 Coral Cup after a 200+ day layoff. This win showed that he can handle long-distance races, even if the Grand National is run over more furlongs. Kandoo Kid is a precise horse that has a tactical racing style, so he can potentially handle the rigours of the Aintree course.
With good endurance and consistent form, he is a serious competitor over long distances and has the ability to outrun favorites on any given day. The Grand National is the obvious progression for Kandoo Kid, and with favorable odds, the horse is a good choice for an outsider.
Title Image Credit: Mick Atkins/Shutterstock
9. Hyland
· Current Odds: 20/1 (OddsChecker)
· Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill
· Owner: The Ten From Seven
While Hyland does not have any notable race wins, it has taken victory in runs such as the Cheltenham, 3m ½f, Good, Class 1 Listed Novices’ Chase. Hyland has shown promise across hurdles and chases, and the 8-year-old is also improving fluidity over jumps.
The 2025 Grand National is probably too soon to consider Hyland a major contender, but as the horse’s reputation grows, it is a notable outsider. He has good stamina and runs-in well with a steady pace. Also, Hyland is an adaptive horse that handles interchangeable race conditions. All these are good traits for the Grand National.
10. Meetingofthewaters
· Current Odds: 22/1 (Bet365)
· Trainer: Willie Mullins
· Owner: J P MacManus
Meetingofthewaters is another consistent performer that has already run plenty of prominent races, including at the Cheltenham festival. Also, he won the 2023 Guinness Handicap Chase at Galway. His strengths lie in his stamina over staying chases, and he also has experience in challenging courses.
Needless to say, the Grand National is a step up, and the lack of major titles puts Meetingofthewaters firmly in the outsider bracket. Even so, consistent form in chases points to a horse that could be a strong contender in the future.
Title Image Credit: Mick Atkins/Shutterstock
The Biggest Race of the Season
The 2025 Grand National is shaping up to be highly competitive, with several horses holding legitimate claims to victory. Proven performers naturally dominate the odds markets, such as Stumptown and last year’s winner, I Am Maximus.
However, Iroko is also a favorite thanks to its form heading into the race. Punters looking for an interesting pick will appreciate runners like Hewick and Vanillier, both outsiders who are drawing attention.
Odds show that bookies are unsure, and it looks like it will be a close race. As always, we advise you to stay up to date with the latest odds from reputable bookies.
The 2025 Grand National betting market is sensitive, with micro-changes in odds re-ordering favorites. With the field wide open, consider race history, trainer history, and form before you place your bets.
Title Image Credit: Mick Atkins/Shutterstock
