Grand National 2025 Guide

The Grand National each year a tapestry of drama, tension, and occasionally, sheer unpredictability is a race that has captured the hearts of spectators and punters alike for decades.

For those who follow the sport closely, it’s a study in biology, psychology, and strategy. Horses, like their human counterparts, have moods, quirks, and moments of genius.

And every year, the 34 runners at Aintree Racecourse bring with them a story waiting to be told. This years race is no different. the 2025 Randox Grand National will see 34 horses line up on Saturday, 5th April, at 16:00 BST.

Among them is I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. At 9 years old, I Am Maximus should be in his prime, but this seas on hasn’t been smooth for him. He’s had issues in his two starts so far pulled up in one race and finished eighth behind a stablemate in another.

Yet, when he’s at Aintree, something clicks. Last year, he won the Irish National just months before his Grand National victory. The fact that Mullins has been vocal about I Am Maximus’ ability to handle the track makes me think this could be a horse ready to bounce back. Then theres Senior Chief, another Mullins-trained horse who’s been getting a lot of attention. He’s improving steadily and was tipped by the legendary AP Mc Coy in recent months. The JP Mc Manus stable is known for having some of the best horses in the country, and Senior Chief could be their pick to win. But let’s not forget Royal Pagail, another Mullins runner who has been consistent this seas on.

He might not get as much attention as his stablemates, but he’s a solid bet. The race is also notable for the number of runners 34 horses mean it’s a puzzle of strategy and probability. Some bettors rely on stats, others on vibes. Ive seen punters spend hours studying form charts, while others just close their eyes and point to a horse based on its jockey colors or name. It’s as if they’re trying to predict the unpredictable. The Pinstickers Guide is clearly, essential for those who want more than just luck.

The Liverpool Echo has released their ratings for each horse, giving them marks out of 10. I Am Maximus got an 8, acknowledging his potential but also his inconsistencies this seas on. Senior Chief was rated a bit lower, at 7.5, with room to improve. Royal Pagail got a 7, while others like Cheltenham winner Stumptown and last years Irish National winner Intense Raffles are also in the mix.

As I think about the race, I cant help but recall Red Rum, the legendary horse that won three times in the 1970s. He carried top weight and became the first horse to do so since Red Rum himself. Now, I Am Maximus is trying to join an elite club only eight horses have officially won twice since 1949. it’s a challenge, but one that Mullins and Townend are prepared for. The track itself is another factor.

Aintrees unique layout four miles and two and a half furlongs is as challenging as any in the sport. The ground can be tough or soft, and the fences are as much of a test as the horses endurance. This year, with the weather uncertain, every horse will have to adapt.

I’ve covered Grand Nationals before, and I know that one bad move, one misstep, can change everything. The race isnt just about speed; it’s about survival. Horses need to navigate the track like a maze, each turn a potential trap, each fence a reminder of how fragile life can be in the saddle. In the end, though, what makes the Grand National so compelling is that no one really knows what will happen until it happens.

The horses might have their own plans, but so do the jockeys and trainers. And then theres the crowd thousands of voices cheering, hoping, praying for their favorites. It’s a symphony of sound and a clash of strategies, all set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic races in British sport. The race is a reminder that even in an era of dat a and analysis, there are still some mysteries we can never fully solve just like the horses themselves.

So heres to another Grand National: unpredictable, unforgettable, and always full of surprises.

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