Grand National entries revealed: I Am Maximus set for Aintree return

Image from Alamy – 2X3JANG Winning trainer Willie Mullins poses with the Champion Trainer trophy after Minella Cocooner won the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase on bet365 Jump Finale day at Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher. Picture date: Saturday April 27, 2024.

The 2025 Grand National is shaping up to be another thrilling spectacle, with reigning champion I Am Maximus leading the 90 initial entries announced earlier this week. The entry list, which is down slightly from 90 horses at this stage last year, will eventually be narrowed to just 34 Grand National runners for the prestigious race at Aintree on Saturday 5th April.

Mullins Eyes Historic Repeat

Legendary trainer Willie Mullins, who tasted Grand National glory in 2024 with I Am Maximus and in 2005 with Hedgehunter, will be looking to add a third victory to his résumé. With a total of 10 horses entered, Mullins clearly has his sights set on Red Rum’s historic record of three Grand National wins. Speaking about I Am Maximus, Mullins said, “Red Rum won the race three times and Tiger Roll won two. I think JP [McManus] would be keen to have a horse that could do that – win two and maybe go on for a third one. If you don’t try, you don’t succeed, so that is our plan.”

Other notable entries from Mullins’ stable include Minella Cocooner and Nick Rockett, but it’s I Am Maximus who currently tops the betting markets as the 12/1 favourite to claim the £500,000 winner’s prize for the second year running.

Key Absences and New Contenders

The 2025 entry list is not without its omissions, as a couple of fan-favourite horses from recent years have been ruled out. Gaillard du Mesnil, who finished third in the 2023 Grand National, is absent, as is Noble Yeats, the 2022 winner. Noble Yeats made history as the first seven-year-old to win the race since 1940, followed by a commendable fourth-place finish in 2023. However, after being pulled up in his last outing, retirement now seems likely.

Despite these absences, the list remains packed with talent. Among the challengers is Intense Raffles, winner of the 2024 Irish Grand National, who is set to make his UK debut. Fellow Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has also entered a formidable 16 runners, with Three Card Brag emerging as a strong contender after an impressive run at Navan.

The next milestone on the road to Aintree is the weights announcement on 11th February, which will give further insight into how the field is shaping up. With a blend of established stars and exciting newcomers, the 2025 Grand National promises to deliver yet another unforgettable chapter in racing history.

Full 2025 Grand National entries list

Apple Away
Appreciate It
Beauport
Bravemansgame
Broadway Boy
Bronn
Busselton
Capodanno
Celebre D’Allen
Chantry House
Chemical Energy
Coko Beach
Conflated
Copperhead
Cruz Control
Delta Work
Desertmore House
Duffle Coat
Envoi Allen
Escaria Ten
Fakir D’Oudairies
Famous Bridge
Fantastic Lady
Farouk D’Alene
Favori De Champdou
Fil Dor
Fontaine Collonges
French Dynamite
Galvin
Gentlemansgame
Gericault Roque
Gerri Colombe
Gevrey
Git Maker
Grangeclare West
Hewick
Hitman
Horantzau D’Airy
Hyland
I Am Maximus
Idas Boy
Inothewayurthinkin
Intense Raffles
Iroko
Kandoo Kid
King Turgeon
L’Homme Presse
La Renommee
Limerick Lace
Macdermott
Malina Girl
Meetingofthewaters
Minella Cocooner
Minella Crooner
Minella Drama
Minella Indo
Mister Coffey
Monbeg Genius
Monty’s Star
Motu Fareone
Mr Incredible
Mr Vango
Nick Rockett
Pats Fancy
Perceval Legallois
Pinkerton
Placenet
Quick Wave
Richmond Lake
Roi Mage
Royale Pagaille
Senior Chief
Shakem Up’Arry
Spanish Harlem
Stay Away Fay
Stumptown
Stuzzikini
Surrey Quest
The Goffer
The Real Whacker
Three Card Brag
Threeunderthrufive
Trelawne
Twig
Vanillier
Velvet Elvis
Where It All Began
Yeah Man
Your Own Story
Zanahiyr