No other race captures the imagination quite like the Grand National
No other race captures the imagination quite like the Grand National
34 horses will make up the field as the Grand National race takes place this afternoon. Last year’s winner I Am Maximus is bidding to make history once again, by winning for a second time. Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old was a hugely impressive winner 12 months ago and leads the betting.
No other race captures the imagination quite like the Grand National does, and millions are expected to watch this afternoon’s action live. This year’s Grand National runners will line up for a gruelling test of endurance and skill, as the horses and their riders tackle a marathon distance of four miles and two and a half furlongs, leaping 30 fences over two full circuits of the legendary Aintree course.
ECHO racing writer, Chris Wright has shared his tips ahead of the famous steeplechase. Perceval Legallois is Chris’ top tip. Perceval Legallois sports the famous green and gold colours of three-time Grand National-winning owner JP McManus.
He looks to have the ideal profile of the modern National winner. With the modifications to the course, the reduction in both distance and field size (now 34 from the traditional 40 for a second year) younger, classier and more progressive horses have been winning the race.
Chris says: “Perceval Legallois is a solid jumper, usually travels well and although he has yet to go this sort of distance, he suggests that the move up in trip should bring out even more improvement. He can progress again and land a first Grand National for Cromwell and McManus’ retained rider Mark Walsh.”
Other horses he has tipped are Vanillier, Nick Rockett and Stumptown. Jockey Derek Fox, who is currently injured but a regular jockey at Aintree has also tipped Perceval Legallois. The Grand National winning jockey said: “I like Perceval Legallois, that’s the one I’d want to be on. He looks like he’s been prepared for it. He’s won a big-field handicap chase at Leopardstown and won a hurdle last time.
“I think Mark Walsh, as far as I know, is going to take the ride, and I rate Mark highly. I think it’s a great standard in the weighing room, but I think Mark Walsh is a standout rider. He’s going to be a great man to have on board and is on a nice weight.” Below are the full list of runners for the National.
Grand National 2025 runners and riders
1 I Am Maximus (FR) 9-11-12 Mr JP McManus Willie Mullins (IRE) Paul Townend
2 Royale Pagaille (FR) 11-11-9 Mrs S Ricci Venetia Williams Charlie Deustch
3 Nick Rockett (IRE) 8-11-8 Stewart & Sadie Andrew Willie Mullins (IRE) Patrick Mullins
4 Grangeclare West (IRE) 9-11-8 Cheveley Park Stud Willie Mullins (IRE) Brian Hayes
5 Hewick (IRE) 10-11-7 Mr TJ McDonald John Joseph Hanlon (IRE) Gavin Sheehan
6 Minella Indo (IRE) 12-11-3 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead (IRE) Rachael Blackmore
7 Appreciate It (IRE) 11-11-2 Miss MA Masterson Willie Mullins (IRE) Sean O’Keefe
8 Minella Cocooner (IRE) 9-11-2 Mr David Bobbett Willie Mullins (IRE) Jonathan Burke
9 Stumptown (IRE) 8-11-2 Furze Bush Syndicate Gavin Cromwell (IRE) Keith Donoghue
10 Conflated (IRE) 11-11-2 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott (IRE) Jordan Gainford
11 Hitman (FR) 9-11-1 Mason, Hogarth, Ferguson & Done Paul Nicholls Freddie Gingell
12 Beauport (IRE) 9-11-1 Bryan & Philippa Burrough Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies
13 Bravemansgame (FR) 10-11-0 Bryan Drew Paul Nicholls James Reveley
14 Chantry House (IRE) 11-10-13 Mr JP McManus Nicky Henderson James Bowen
15 Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 10-10-12 McNeill Family Paul Nicholls Harry Skelton
16 Perceval Legallois (FR) 8-10-12 Mr JP McManus Gavin Cromwell (IRE) Mark Walsh
17 Kandoo Kid (FR) 9-10-11 Mr Michael Geoghegan Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
18 Iroko (FR) 7-10-11 Mr JP McManus Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero Jonjo O’Neill Jnr
19 Intense Raffles (FR) 7-10-10 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Thomas Gibney (IRE) JJ Slevin
20 Senior Chief (GB) 8-10-10 Lucky In Life Syndicate Henry de Bromhead (IRE) Darragh O’Keeffe
21 Idas Boy (IRE) 11-10-10 Dozen Dreamers Richard Phillips Harry Bannister
22 Fil Dor (FR) 7-10-9 Robcour Gordon Elliott (IRE) Sam Ewing
23 Broadway Boy (IRE) 7-109 Mr DM Proos Nigel Twiston-Davies Tom Bellamy
24 Coko Beach (FR) 10-10-9 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott (IRE) Jody McGarvey
25 Stay Away Fay (IRE) 8-10-9 Bell, Lyons, Hill Paul Nicholls Paul O’Brien
26 Meetingofthewaters (IRE) 8-10-7 Mr JP McManus Willie Mullins (IRE) Danny Mullins
27 Monbeg Genius (IRE) 9-10-6 Martin Tedham & Wasdell Properties Ltd. Jonjo & AJ O’Neill Nick Scholfield
28 Vanillier (FR) 10-10-6 Mrs HM Keaveney Gavin Cromwell (IRE) Sean Flanagan
29 Horantzau d’Airy (FR) 8-10-6 Scea De Vallee Michael Keady Ciaran Gethings
30 Hyland (FR) 8 10 6 The Ten From Seven Nicky Henderson Nico De Boinville
31 Celebre d’Allen (FR) 13-10-6 Mr Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs & Johnson White Michael Nolan
32 Three Card Brag (IRE) 8-10-5 Patrick & Scott Bryceland, McNeill Family Gordon Elliott (IRE) Sean Bowen
33 Twig (GB) 10-10-5 Mrs G Morgan Ben Pauling Beau Morgan
34 Duffle Coat (IRE) 8-10-4 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott (IRE) Danny Gilligan