Grand National Runners 2025 | Confirmed Horses List & Odds
The nights are drawing in, which means the National Hunt season is now in full swing, as next April’s Aintree event draws ever nearer. Why not get ahead of the game, with the expected 2025 Grand National runners list, plus the very latest odds and betting offers. You can also view the form and trainers, to help you decide which Grand National runners are the best ones to back.
Grand National runners, riders & odds 2025 - Full confirmed horses list
*Grand National runners odds last updated at 4pm on 18th November 2024, and are subject to change.
Grand National runners list 2025
Speculation over the identities of next year’s confirmed Grand National runners and riders will inevitably be as intense as ever, as we count down to finding out exactly which horses will run at Aintree. The process is likely to be similar to 2024, where initially 94 horses were entered into the race, with that number gradually dwindling following the Cheltenham Festival. The list continued to be whittled down, until 34 confirmed Grand National horses were announced on the Thursday morning before the race. Chambard and Run Wild Fred were withdrawn late on, leaving us with 32 horses to cheer on.
A number of the horses that ran in 2024’s race are expected to renew their rivalries for the 2025 Grand National, most notably the winner, I Am Maximus. You can find all the Grand National contenders listed alphabetically below.
- Adamantly Chosen
- Ahoy Senor
- Ain’t That A Shame
- Capodanno
- Chianti Classico
- Chemical Energy
- Coko Beach
- Corbetts Cross
- Delta Work
- Desertmore House
- Embassy Gardens
- Fantastic Lady
- Fastorslow
- Gaillard Du Mesnil
- Galia Des Liteaux
- Galvin
- Gentlemansgame
- Gerri Colombe
- Hewick
- I Am Maximus
- Inourwayofthinkin
- Intense Raffles
- Iroko
- Its On The Line
- Kitty’s Light
- Latenightpass
- Limerick Lace
- Macdermott
- Mahler Mission
- Meetingofthewaters
- Minella Cocooner
- Minella Indo
- Monty’s Star
- Mr Incredible
- Nassalam
- Nick Rockett
- Noble Yeats
- Panda Boy
- Royale Pagaille
- Sandor Clegane
- Senior Chief
- Stay Away Fay
- Stumptown
- Threeunderthrufive
- Vanillier
View the Grand National betting odds 2025 here
Who are the Grand National favourites for 2025?
There are dozens of Grand National horses carrying the hopes of their owners and trainers, but invariably most interest and the big money surrounds the Grand National favourites. Here’s a brief Grand National horse-by-horse guide for some of the leading 2025 Grand National runners according to the latest Grand National odds:
I Am Maximus Grand National summary
- Career highlights: 2024 Grand National winner & 2023 Irish Grand National winner.
- Career prize money: £869,842
- 2024 Grand National result: 1st
- 2025 Grand National betting odds: 16/1 favourite
Minella Cocooner Grand National summary
- Career highlights: 2024 bet365 Gold Cup winner.
- Career prize money: £286,989
- 2024 Grand National result: Didn’t run
- 2025 Grand National betting odds: 25/1
Corbetts Cross Grand National summary
- Career highlights: 2024 Cheltenham Festival NH Challenge Cup winner .
- Career prize money: £154,134
- 2024 Grand National result: Didn’t run
- 2025 Grand National betting odds: 25/1
Intense Raffles Grand National summary
- Career highlights: 2024 Cheltenham Mares Chase winner.
- Career prize money: £329,913
- 2024 Grand National result: Didn’t run
- 2025 Grand National betting odds: 25/1
Grand National runners with the same silks
You may have noticed some of this year’s Grand National runners will be wearing the same colours, which can make them harder to spot in a large and congested field. This is because they share the same owner. Our table below shows the horses which will ran in the same silks in 2024, so keep an extra close eye on these to make sure you don’t end up cheering for the wrong Grand National runners.
| Grand National owners | Grand National runners | Grand National silks |
|---|---|---|
| J P McManus | I Am Maximus, Meetingofthewaters, Limerick Lace, Capodanno, Janidil |  |
| Gigginstown | Delta Work, Coko Beach, Farouk D’Alene, Run Wild Fred |  |
Previous Grand National winners
The 2024 Grand National went ahead in front of the usual packed stands, despite concerns that new safety measure may impact the pre-race excitement. The Grand National odds had I Am Maximus as the eventual favourite, while 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler went off as one of the top weights.
Rachael Blackmore looked the most likely winner on Minella Indo as the horses headed to the final fence. Ultimately though, it was I Am Maximus who powered through to win by over seven lengths from Delta Work. Here are the ten previous Grand National winners:
- 2024 – I Am Maximus
- 2023 – Corach Rambler
- 2022 – Noble Yeats
- 2021 – Minella Times
- 2020 – race cancelled
- 2019 – Tiger Roll
- 2018 – Tiger Roll
- 2017 – One For Arthur
- 2016 – Rule The World
- 2015 – Many Clouds
- 2014 – Pineau De Re
Read more about how they got on via our Grand National reviews hub.
How are the Grand National runners decided?
In early February, a longlist containing around 100 potential Grand National runners is announced. As we near the 2025 Aintree Grand National, this is whittled down to a maximum of 34 Grand National runners. Narrowing down the field to 34 runners is a lengthy process, with the following steps and many twists and turns when it comes to the Grand National odds.
- Grand National entries will close in early February, giving us a longlist of around 100 Aintree Grand National runners.
- Grand National weights will then be announced in mid-February, ranking the Grand National horses from one to 34 and beyond.
- The first scratchings deadline is in early March.
- The second scratchings come three weeks later, after the twists and turns of the Cheltenham Festival have all played out.
- Five-day confirmations will be on 31st March 2025.
- Final declarations will happen on Thursday 3rd April at 10am, featuring the top 34 Grand National horses from the weights list.
Any withdrawals after the final confirmation stage will not be replaced, so it’s possible to use any Grand National free bets you’ve found, without the fear of not getting a run for your money.
How many Grand National runners are in 2025?
The Grand National was capped at 40 runners for many years, but that was trimmed to 34 ahead of the 2024 Grand National. Various declaration stages during February, March, and April help whittle down the entries to meet the new Grand National runners limit.
Who decides which horses run in the Grand National?
The Grand National weights will be released in February 2025 by the British Horseracing Authority’s head of handicapping. They decide the weights and ratings for the runners entered which will invariably end up being a deciding factor in who the final 34 runners will be on the day.
Once each horse has been allocated a weight to carry, we have a clearer idea which horses will be the confirmed Grand National runners for 2025. This has a significant impact on the 2025 Grand National betting odds.
Grand National entries 2025
As long as horses meet the criteria, there is essentially no limit to the number of initial entries. On the day, however, a maximum of 34 Grand National horses can run, a reduction on the previous maximum of 40.
As well as the official criteria, trainers and owners have to answer questions regarding their own horses. Will they stay the trip? Are they well handicapped? Is the ground suitable? Are they in good form?
Everyone involved has a balancing act to manage too. Those entered in the Grand National who are not jumping or staying well should not be involved. However, those in the form of their lives may have to put up with a very large racing weight given to them by the handicapper. All of these factors impact the Grand National betting odds.
Many horses are still considered to be contenders in 2025, these being some of the key stats:
- I Am Maximus is the most recent winner, coming home over seven lengths clear of Delta Work and Minella Indo.
- Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National (2021) and the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022), so there’ll be a real interest in whoever she decides to ride. The 2024 Grand National saw some late money come for her mount, Minella Indo, and the gamble proved justified as she steered her horse home to a more than respectable third place.
- Henry de Bromhead trained both the first and second placed horses at the 2021 Grand National.
Grand National non-runners
After the official final declarations for the race take place, any horse that’s being pulled out is a ‘non-runner’. In this case, the final field was declared on Thursday, April 11th.
Historically, the Grand National has allowed ‘reserves’ to be called into the field to replace a non-runner. However, this system has been discontinued since 2023, meaning the 2024 race took place with only 32 runners after the late withdrawal of Run Wild Fred and Chambard.
Horses are often pulled out for a number of reasons, a change in the ground or a veterinary issue being most likely.
What to look for when finding a winning horse?
There are certain criteria for horses to meet in order to qualify for the Grand National. Understanding them means not only knowing who will run but often how well too.
Weight
As a handicap race, the weights for Grand National runners are basically decided according to their official rating. So, if the top horse is rated 170 and carries 11st 10lbs, a horse rated 167 would carry 11st 7lbs etc.
Given the special nature of this race, however, the head BHA handicapper has dispensation to change the ratings and the weights somewhat. The handicapper can use other factors such as proven form at Aintree to adjust the weights. He will frame the weights a couple of months before the race before publishing them.
The top-rated horse in the line-up will carry 11st 10lbs. In years gone by it was thought nigh impossible for horses to carry such weights to win the National. Things are different now. The classier horses at the top of the weights have every chance of winning this, especially if the ground isn’t too testing.
Age
Only those aged 7 and over can enter. This was raised from 6 recently, with Noble Yeats becoming the first horse aged younger than 8 to win the Grand National since 1940.
Horses between 8 and 11 are thought of as being at the perfect age. Even then, a lot will depend on what form they are in and whether it’s believed a new career peak is realistic regardless of how old they are.
Career
There isn’t a set career path for a Grand National contender. Race set-ups in the UK and Ireland are different but equally fruitful. The trick is not to follow horses coming from certain races. Rather, it is best to find a horse which is about to peak. Those running to their best form this season, but not necessarily badly weighted, are favoured.
Stamina
Only those who have been placed in a recognised chase over 3 miles or longer can enter. That is because of safety concerns, but as punters, we can take that a step further. In truth, what we really want to see is a horse who has won at least once over 3 miles. We’d rather see those wins being gained in good quality races too. Horses with the previous form in the Grand National, the Welsh and Irish Grand Nationals or over 3 miles at Cheltenham often go on to do well.
Grand National riders
The identity of a Grand National rider is important when deciding which horse to bet on. Some prefer to back a jockey that has previously won the Grand National, while others may prefer to back a female jockey, following Rachael Blackmore’s memorable win in 2021.
To be allowed to ride, jockeys must have ridden at least 15 winners under rules in Britain or Ireland. Ten of those wins need to have been over fences rather than hurdles too, so it’s clear that all 34 Grand National riders and, and their respective Grand National horses, will be more than competent at their trade.
Some jockeys are associated with certain stables or owners and will be retained to ride by them. In fact, the vast majority of winning riders can thank their retainers for a significant part in their Aintree wins.
However the Grand National jockeys get their mounts, this is a race that can make a career for them. Leighton Aspell managed to win this race twice in a row for two different trainer/owner combinations. The two greatest riders in recent years, AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh won this race only once and twice respectively.
The most successful jump jockeys from the past season are expected to be involved in the Grand National 2025, so have a look at our Grand National riders list to see if any catch your eye.
- Paul Townend
- Rachael Blackmore
- Sean Bowen
- Aidan Coleman
- Brendan Powell
- Charlie Deutsch
- D A Jacob
- D N Russell
- Harry Cobden
- Harry Skelton
- Jonjo O’Neill Jr
- M P Walsh
- Nick Scholfield
- Ryan Mania
- Sam Twiston-Davies
- Tom Scudamore
Grand National 2025 key facts and figures
- Winner’s Prize Money: £500,000
- Total Runners: 34
- Number of Hurdles: 30
- Race Distance: 4 miles 2 furlongs 74 yards
*All Grand National odds correct at time of publishing. All subject to change.
Grand National 2024 results and odds
The 2024 Grand National took place on 13th April at 4pm, as the Willie Mullins horse, I Am Maximus, justified being backed into favouritism, while Rachael Blackmore went close to winning her second Grand National.
| Position | Grand National runners | Grand National riders | Grand National odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | I Am Maximus | Paul Townend | 7/1 joint fav |
| 2nd | Delta Work | J W Kennedy | 28/1 |
| 3rd | Minella Indo | Rachael Blackmore | 28/1 |
| 4th | Galvin | Sam Ewing | 40/1 |
| 5th | Kitty’s Light | Jack Tudor | 12/1 |
Full 2024 Grand National Review
Grand National runners 2025 FAQ
Find more relevant information when it comes to Grand National runners in our FAQs below.
When is the Grand National?
Grand National 2025 is scheduled for Saturday 5th April at 4pm. The three-day festival gets going on 3rd April, which is also when the final declarations will be published for the Grand National.
Who are the favourites for the Grand National?
I Am Maximus is the early favourite to win the Grand National for the second year in a row. Other leading contenders include bet365 Gold Cup Chase winner Minella Cocooner, and Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles.
Who are the runners for the Grand National?
The Grand National runners and riders will be confirmed a couple of days before the race, with pre-race favourites according to the Grand National betting including 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus, as well as Delta Work and Minella Indo, who completed the top three places.
Who will win the Grand National 2025?
It’s tough to say in a field of this size, but I Am Maximus is prominent in the ante-post Grand National betting. He will be carrying more weight in the 2025 race though, so it may be better looking elsewhere for your Grand National bets.
How many horses left in the Grand National?
The long list of potential Grand National horses will eventually be whittled down to the final 34 confirmed Grand National runners. This is a reduction from a limit of 40 runners in previous years.
What was the best horse to win the Grand National?
Red Rum is generally seen as the best Grand National horse in history, having won the famous race on three occasions in the 1970’s. More recently, Tiger Roll won the race twice so is very highly thought of as a result.
How many fences do the horses jump in the Grand National?
30 fences are taken by the field over a trip just short of 4¼ miles.
What time is the Grand National 2025?
The 2025 Grand National will start at 4pm, after the race was moved from later in the day to ensure the Aintree track is in the best possible condition for the runners.
How many horses will run in the 2025 Grand National?
In previous years, up to 40 horses could run in the Grand National, but safety measures have seen that number reduced. The maximum number of Grand National runners is now limited to 34, although Chambard and Run Wild Fred’s late withdrawal meant only 32 horses actually ran in 2024.
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