The Grand National Festival at Aintree continues as Jonbon safely retained his Melling Chase crown. Nicky Henderson's 4-6 favourite had come unstuck when expected to take the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, but saw off Dan Skelton's Protektorat to come out on top by three and a quarter lengths.
The Grand National main event itself takes place on Saturday 5 April and the field was confirmed on Thursday with I Am Maximus leading the charge once more.
The 2024 winner aims to emulate Tiger Roll and Red Rum in winning consecutive Grand Nationals but extra weight may hinder his chances in a strong field that includes Stumptown and Intense Raffles.
Follow all the Grand National build-up and action with The Independent’s blog, live from Aintree:
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Grand National LIVE
- The Grand National festival continues on Friday 4 April
- Runners and riders announced for Grand National on Saturday
- 1.45pm result - Caldwell Potter wins Mildmay Novices Chase
- 2.20pm result - Wellington Arch wins William Hill Handicap Hurdle
- 2.55pm result - Salvator Mundi wins TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
- 3.30pm result - Jonbon wins the Melling Chase
- 4.05pm result - Gentleman de Mee wins Topham Handicap Chase
- 4.40pm result - Julius Des Pictons wins Sefton Novices' Hurdle
- 5.15pm result - She's A Saint wins Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
She's A Saint wins Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
17:25
And with that, the final race of the day is run, and attention moves to tomorrow – Grand National day.
Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
17:20
,
Chris Wilson
And She’s A Saint manages to hold on to take it at the end! Prices as high as 33/1 and Skelton’s horse has won it!
Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
17:19
,
Chris Wilson
One from the end and Slugger is cruising, with Celtic Dino challenging alongside She’s A Saint!
Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
17:18
,
Chris Wilson
It’s a tight pack as we approach the final straight! Tapley has fought his way into contention too.
Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
17:17
,
Chris Wilson
Alnilam leading early on, with a lead of about seven lengths on Moon Chime and the chasing pack.
Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
17:15
We’re underway in the final race of the day!
Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
17:10
Celtic Dino is the clear favourite for this one at 5/2, with Afadil second at 5/1 and Hamsiyann third at 6/1.
Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
17:05
,
Chris Wilson
And the final tips of the day ahead of the last race, the Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle...
Celtic Dino - 1pt ew @ 13/2 (Skybet) – 6 places
Slugger – 1/2pt ew @ 33/1 (bet365) – 5 places
The ground is quite an important component to Celtic Dino but there should be no concerns on that score here and he represents one of the stronger views of day two.
A sound surface saw the selection post excellent times at both Wincanton and Ascot before the turn of the year, while he still ran commendably in Grade 1 company at this venue on Boxing Day.
A recent effort behind Tripoli Flyer at Kempton was also a creditable effort under conditions which didn’t play to his strengths, and he looks handicapped to make his mark here.
Slugger is one of three Harry Derham entries to hold live chances, and he narrowly gains the nod as an each-way dart courtesy of his fine effort in a strongly run Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso last time.
Julius Des Pictons wins Sefton Novices' Hurdle!
16:56
,
Chris Wilson
Here’s the first four from the penultimate race then.
1 - Julius Des Pictons - 14/1
2 - Minella Rescue - 50/1
3 - Crest of Fortune - 25/1
4 - Mister Meggit - 7/2
Julius Des Pictons wins Sefton Novices' Hurdle!
16:51
,
Chris Wilson
“It’s massive really,” says jockey Gavin Sheehan.
“Wasn’t that comfortable, my jumping was good. It was a long race from the last to the line, but he kept on finding the answers.”
Julius Des Pictons wins Sefton Novices' Hurdle!
16:49
And from within the pack, Julius Des Pictons comes from the middle to win!
He made up over two lengths on Mister Meggit and won by almost two lengths over Minella Rescue in the end!
Sefton Novices' Hurdle
16:47
,
Chris Wilson
And Mister Meggit has come from nowhere to contend too! Minella Rescue is in it too, as is Julius Des Pictons...
Sefton Novices' Hurdle
16:46
Just three hurdles let and it’s a lot closer now, as expected.
The same two leaders but Califet has caught up, with Familiar Dreams in contention too.
Sefton Novices' Hurdle
16:44
Six hurdles left and Moon Rocket and Battle Born Lad around three lengths ahead of Califet en Vol, who is about length ahead of the pack.
Can the leaders keep up this pace though?
Sefton Novices' Hurdle
16:43
,
Chris Wilson
Same top two, with Califet en Vol is in third with King of Answers in fourth for now.
Aregento Boy struggling at the back for now.
Sefton Novices' Hurdle
16:42
,
Chris Wilson
Battle Born Lad and Moon Rocket in an early lead in this one, with 12 hurdles still to go.
Sefton Novices' Hurdle
16:41
We’re underway in the penultimate race of Ladies Day.
14 runners in this one.
Sefton Novices' Hurdle
16:35
,
Chris Wilson
Nicky Henderson’s Califet en Vol is joint-favourite here again, and is ridden by Nico de Boinville.
Mister Meggit is the other favourite, with both at 3/1.
Behind that duo are Battle Born Lad and Familiar Dream, with both priced at 11/2 as it stands.
Oddschecker Sefton Novices' Hurdle tips
16:30
,
Chris Wilson
Just one tip for the penultimate race of the day, with that one kicking off in around 10 minutes.
Califet En Vol - 1pt ew @ 4/1 (Betfred) – 4 places
Twenty of the last 24 winners of this race had won at least twice over hurdles, while 18 of the last 19 were aged six or seven.
Three of the last 10 were also trained by Nicky Henderson so Califet En Vol makes plenty of appeal, especially as 14 of this century’s winners had also skipped Cheltenham like he did.
The selection’s form behind Cheltenham festival scorer The New Lion looks the pick on offer here and he also fits the profile of six of the last eight winners who were ex-pointers.
Gentleman de Mee wins Topham Handicap Chase!
16:20
,
Chris Wilson
Here’s the top five from that race then:
1 - Gentleman de Mee - 14/1
2 - Lisnamult Lad - 22/1
3 - The Goffer - 14/1
4 - Amirite - 18/1
5 - James du Berlais - 10/1
Gentleman de Mee wins Topham Handicap Chase!
16:15
,
Chris Wilson
“He’s class. I ws always happy with how he was jumping,” says Gentleman de Mee’s jockey Mark Walsh.
“It was brilliant,” adds a knackered Walsh.
Gentleman de Mee wins Topham Handicap Chase!
16:14
,
Chris Wilson
Gentleman de Mee runs down Lisnamult Lad at the last to win by almost a length ! The most dramatic race of the day so far.
Topham Handicap Chase
16:13
,
Chris Wilson
A terrible mistake from Ginny’s Destiny on the last fence and he’s out of contention!
Lisnamult Lad in the lead but he’s facing a late challenge...
Topham Handicap Chase
16:12
,
Chris Wilson
Lisnamult Lad takes a lead as they go over fence 16.
It’s very tight towards the final two fences!
Topham Handicap Chase
16:11
,
Chris Wilson
28 horses still running with 15 fences down. Still the same leaders.
Topham Handicap Chase
16:10
,
Chris Wilson
Halfway through as Ginny’s Destiny is still in the lead.
A very well-grouped field still though, with Lisnamult Lad in second for now.
Topham Handicap Chase
16:08
,
Chris Wilson
Ginny’s Destiny in an early lead at the moment, with six fences down.
Nothing to separate most of the field though as it stands.
Topham Handicap Chase
16:07
After a brief delay in the start, we’re underway in race number four of the day!
Topham Handicap Chase
15:58
,
Chris Wilson
Gentleman de Mee and Blue Lord for Willie Mullins, with the latter as favourite here.
Bad and Excello are the others in the top three, at 13/2 and 7/1.
Topham Handicap Chase tips
15:55
,
Chris Wilson
A reminder of the tips for the 4.05 race! There’s 10 minutes until we’re underway in that one.
James Du Berlais - 1pt ew @ 8/1 (William Hill) – 6 places
Ginnys Destiny - 1/2pt ew @ 16/1 (bet365) – 6 places
James Du Berlais jumped the final fence in this event last year pretty much on the bridle, so it was a surprise he didn’t get the job done.
His entire season looks as though it has been geared around going one better and his supporters will be hoping for a similar round of jumping and perhaps a slightly more patient ride from J J Slevin who takes over from Paul Townend.
Backing Ginny’s Destiny requires an act of faith but, in the hope that the first-time tongue tie and cheekpiece combination works the oracle, he might be worth a small each-way bet on horse racing betting sites off an enticing mark.
Jonbon wins the Melling Chase!
15:45
,
Chris Wilson
Here’s the final standings in that one then.
1 - Jonbon - 4/6
2 - Protektorat - 7/1
3 - Matata - 16/1
El Fabiolo is fine after the fall.
Jonbon wins the Melling Chase!
15:40
,
Chris Wilson
“Jonbon gets us out of trouble again. All credit to the staff, and JP and his team,” says Nico de Boinville.
“You have to pick yourself up after yesterday, and luckily I’ve got really good horses to ride,” he adds.
Jonbon wins the Melling Chase!
15:36
,
Chris Wilson
Jonbon goes over the last fence five clear and although Protektorat gains some ground down the last straight, it’s a fairly straightforward win for Nico de Boinville.
Melling Chase
15:35
,
Chris Wilson
El Fabiolo looks up and okay.
Protektorat is trying to close the gap with two fences left...
Melling Chase
15:34
,
Chris Wilson
Five fences left and El Fabiolo is down!
Jonbon has opened up a lead of a couple of lengths for now.
Melling Chase
15:33
,
Chris Wilson
Eight fences to go and Jonbon has taken a slender lead for now. El Fabiolo has joined the back of the pack now.
Melling Chase
15:32
,
Chris Wilson
Protektorat leading with 12 fences to go, and the front three have opened up a gap of a few lengths on El Fabiolo as we begin.
Melling Chase
15:31
We’re underway in the fourth race of the day!
Melling Chase
15:22
Other notable contenders in this one include Mullins’ El Fabiolo (5/2) and Skelton’s Protektorat (8/1).
Melling Chase
15:19
Next up is the Melling Chase, with Jonbon lining up as one of the highlights of the day.
Events didn’t go to plan at Cheltenham for Jonbon, but he’ll be hoping to reprise his victory in last year’s renewal.
Nicky Henderson’s horse is the favourite for this one at 8/13.
Salvator Mundi wins TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
15:10
Here’s the top three, with an all-Irish finish!
1 - Salvator Mundi - 7/2
2 - Romeo Coolio - 2/1
3 - Karbau - 33/1
Salvator Mundi wins TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
15:05
“Cheltenham probably didn’t suit him as much as here,” says jockey Mullins on Salvator Mundi.
“Just the five [Grade Ones]” he jokes as he praises the horse’s pace.
Salvator Mundi wins TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
15:03
A brilliant final couple of hurdles for Salvator Mundi and he opens up the lead on Romeo Coolio! He turns it around emphatically, finishing at lead three lengths ahead.
TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
15:01
,
Chris Wilson
One hurdle left and there’s barely anything in it!
TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
15:01
,
Chris Wilson
Two hurdles to go and Salvator Mundi makes his move! He’s just over a length behind in second now.
TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
15:00
,
Chris Wilson
Four hurdles left, Romeo Coolio still in the lead. About a length in it over Diva Luna.
Rubber Ball third, and then a couple of length behind is Salvator Mundi.
TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
14:58
,
Chris Wilson
Romeo Coolio does indeed lead from the start here, with Salvator Mundi in fifth.
About a length between the leader and Diva Luna.
TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
14:57
We’re underway in this one!
TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
14:48
,
Chris Wilson
Romeo Coolio the early clear favourite in this one, at 2/1, Gordon Elliott’s horse is number five for the day.
Salvator Mundi is Willie Mullins’ horse in this one, and he’s offered at 7/2!
TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle
14:45
,
Chris Wilson
And a quick tip for race number three of the day! 10 minutes until that one.
Romeo Coolio – 2pt win @ 5/4 (William Hill)
The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle looked a race to follow, and it will be disappointing if third-home Romeo Coolio can’t uphold the form here.
This speed track may not play to his strengths quite as much as Cheltenham, but hopefully he can be ridden close to the pace and kick at the opportune moment under Sam Ewing.
Tripoli Flyer is very much respected, but he appears to show plenty of disdain for his hurdles and can’t afford to do that in Grade 1 company.
Wellington Arch wins the William Hill Handicap Hurdle!
14:40
,
Chris Wilson
Here’s the top four from the second race of Ladies Day.
1 - Wellington Arch - 14/1
2 - Kopek de Mee - 8/1
3 - Favour and Fortune - 12/1
4 - Impose Toi - 7/1
Wellington Arch wins the William Hill Handicap Hurdle!
14:30
“I couldn’t fault him to be honest,” says jockey Jonjo O'Neill Jr. on Wellington Arch.
“H’e a fair horse, light and airy, we said just hold on.
“Thank God he made the cut today!” he adds.
Wellington Arch wins the William Hill Handicap Hurdle!
14:27
,
Chris Wilson
Drama at the end after a brilliant ending from Kopek de Mee, who made about three lengths but ended just a neck behind!
Wellington Arch, who started at 11/1, wins the second race of the day!
William Hill Handicap Hurdle
14:25
,
Chris Wilson
One hurdle to go and it’s the same top two, with Hansard in third!
The leader has opened up some distance now!
William Hill Handicap Hurdle
14:24
,
Chris Wilson
Four hurdles to go and Wellington Arch is still leading, by less than a length.
Wreckless Eric in third, Steel Ally in second.
William Hill Handicap Hurdle tips
14:22
,
Chris Wilson
We’re starting to see a leading pack now, with just eight hurdles to go.
Wellington Arch is the early leader.
William Hill Handicap Hurdle tips
14:21
,
Chris Wilson
We’re underway in race two of Ladies Day!
William Hill Handicap Hurdle tips
14:18
,
Chris Wilson
The horses are walking up to the starting point as we speak.
William Hill Handicap Hurdle tips
14:15
,
Chris Wilson
20 runners in this one, including Cheltenham disappointment Kopek de Mee.
Be Aware has moved into outright favourite with Kopek, at 11/2.
The race is run over 2 miles, with Gin Coco as biggest outsider at 28/1.
William Hill Handicap Hurdle tips
14:10
,
Chris Wilson
And we’re now 10 minutes away from the second race of the day, so here’s a reminder of the early tips for that one...
Be Aware – 1pt ew @ 7/1 (bet365) – 6 places
Helnwein – 1/2pt ew @ 14/1 (bet365) – 6 places
Be Aware didn’t seem to quite see out the trip of the Coral Cup on a stiff track and may prove more at home on the flatter surrounds of Aintree.
Dan Skelton’s grey son of Martaline had previously finished placed in two of the season’s hottest handicap and represents a team which have won two of the last three renewals of this race.
If you go back far enough, Helnwein beat Be Aware on the final day of last season at Sandown so could be overpriced on Grand National betting sites. Backers need to take on trust his ability to see out the trip, but it looks a risk worth taking at the price.
William Hill Handicap Hurdle tips
14:07
,
Chris Wilson
Moving along quickly to the second race of the day, and we have the William Hill Handicap Hurdle tips.
Be Aware and Wade Out are early favourites here at 6/1.
Caldwell Potter wins Mildmay Novices Chase
14:02
,
Chris Wilson
Final top three here:
1 - Caldwell Potter - 11/4
2 - Jordans - 11/1
3 - The Changing Man - 11/1
Caldwell Potter wins Mildmay Novices Chase
13:56
,
Chris Wilson
“He was brilliant the whole way,” says Caldwell Potter’s jockey, Harry Cobden.
“It’s testament to the horse, how quick he is. He was great down to the last, he’s incredibly tough,” he adds.
Caldwell Potter wins Mildmay Novices Chase
13:53
,
Chris Wilson
It was closer than it looked like it would be but Caldwell Potter sees off a challenge from Jordans in the end!
The Changing Man is in third, and we’ll bring the rest of the standings asap.
Mildmay Novices Chase
13:52
,
Chris Wilson
Two fences to go and it’s between Caldwell Potter, The Changing Man and Jordans in third...
Mildmay Novices Chase
13:51
,
Chris Wilson
Dancing City is down! Handstand has fallen to fourth too.
Mildmay Novices Chase
13:51
,
Chris Wilson
Five fences to go and the top two have opened up a bit of a gap!
Caldwell Potter had even fought off the attention of The Changing Man briefly, though the latter has recovered.
Still the same top four in the same order, with the leader boasting just over a length in his lead.
Mildmay Novices Chase
13:49
,
Chris Wilson
Handstands has fallen into fourth with 10 fences to go, with Caldwell Potter in first a length ahead of The Changing Man, and Facing City having crept up to third.
Mildmay Novices Chase
13:47
Caldwell Potter in the lead by two lengths in the early stages, with Handstands in third over the first three fences...
Mildmay Novices Chase
13:46
,
Chris Wilson
Late changes in the betting with Caldwell Potter moving into position as joint-favourite with Handstands, with both at 11/4!
We’re underway in the first race of the day!
Mildmay Novices Chase
13:41
,
Chris Wilson
Grade One action to begin Ladies Day, with a Novices Chase including Caldwell Potter and Handstands.
The six-year-old was taken out of contention at Cheltenham in preparation for this race, and is the favourite at 9/4.
Mildmay Novices Chase
13:30
,
Chris Wilson
We’re just 15 minutes away from the first race of the day at Aintree, so here’s a brief look at some pre-race tips...
Handstands – 2 point win @ 2/1 (William Hill)
The Changing Man – 1/2 point each-way @ 12/1 (William Hill)
The decision to sidestep Cheltenham and head straight here can play dividends for Handstands who should relish the step back up to three miles.
The six-year-old’s form was given a tidy boost when Jango Baie, gamely beaten by the selection at Sandown in February, went on to win the Arkle Chase at the Festival and he is reported in good shape ahead of this assignment.
The Changing Man doesn’t win very often, but he has acquitted himself well in some tough handicaps this year and any price of 10/1 or above with preferred betting sites looks a fair each-way play with decent ground sure to suit.
Punters backing Mullins mania to continue at Aintree
13:31
,
Sam Turner
William Hill have seen a flood of money for four Willie Mullins-trained horses on Day Two of Grand National meeting.
Spokesperson for Hills, Lee Phelps, said: “Day One of the Grand National meeting was all about Willie Mullins and it looks like punters are expecting that theme to continue today.
“Mullins bagged all four Grade Ones yesterday and we’ve seen a wave of money for his runners in all four of today’s top-level contests. Dancing City has been backed into 7/2 from 9/2 to land the opener (1.45pm), with Salvator Mundi on the move (3/1 from 4/1) in the Top Novices’ (2:55pm) and El Fabiolo (9/4 from 7/2) well supported against Jonbon in the Melling Chase (3:30pm).
“Argento Boy is a bigger price in the final Grade One of the day, the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (4:40pm), but he’s halved in price – currently 7/1 having opened at 14/1 – as Mullins looks for another clean sweep.”
Grand National betting guide: All 34 horses ranked and rated
13:22
,
Mike Jones
The biggest event on the British horse racing calendar is upon us once again as millions of Brits tune in to the 2025 Grand National at Aintree with an eye at beating the bookmakers.
With 34 horses poised to arrive at the start line, I Am Maximus will hope for a repeat outing after storming to a dominant victory in 2024.
Predicting the winner is always a challenge, but with the exact field now confirmed, we’ve rated all the runners and riders on a one-to-five star scale to give you a headstart on the opposition.
Heaviest Grand National winners
13:11
,
Mike Jones
12st 7lb is the heaviest weight carried by four winners of the Grand National: Poethlyn (1919), Jerry M (1912), Manifesto (1899) and Cloister (1893).
This record will not be broken as the top weight was lowered to 12st in 1956 and went down to 11st 12lb in 2002.
Since Poethlyn only four horses have won the National with 12st or more: Red Rum (12st in 1974), Reynoldstown (12st 2lb in 1936), Golden Miller (12st 2lb in 1934) and Sprig (12st 4lb in 1927).
I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner and current favourite for tomorrow’s race, has the max weight of 11st 12lb and will look to emulate Red Rum by winning the race at the top weight.
The winning margins
13:00
,
Mike Jones
The Grand National race is four miles, two-and-a-half furlongs.
Cloister (1893), Covertcoat (1913), Shaun Spadah (1921), Tipperary Tim (1928), Mr What (1958) and Red Marauder (2001) all won their respective races by a distance.
Meanwhile, Neptune Collonges has the shortest marging of victory having beat Sunnyhillboy by a nose in 2012.
Grand National facts
12:50
,
Mike Jones
The very first winner of the Grand National was called Lottery in 1839 and was made the 5/1 favourite following his earlier success in the Cheltenham Steeplechase.
Also in the 19th century owner/trainer Edward Studd bet £1,000 on Salamander at 40/1. His £40,000 winnings would equate to around £3m at today’s values.
How I Am Maximus can add to the Grand National’s everlasting popularity
12:38
,
Mike Jones
How do you determine a must-see event?
Sport has its fair share of matches and occasions that the general public deem unacceptable to miss but they can range from the bombastic heights of a World Cup final to the quiet whispers around the Augusta National greens at the Masters.
Support and dedication to a particular sport naturally play a role but what people really tune in for is drama. This is evident away from sport by the flood of social media reactions to the latest hot tv show or the enthusiastically contrasting opinions to Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff trade war.
Drama sells and in the world of horseracing nothing is as dramatic as the Grand National.
How can I watch on TV and is there a live stream?
12:26
,
Mike Jones
More than six million fans tuned in to watch last year’s Grand National, which is on free-to-air television through ITV, with the channel set to broadcast coverage throughout the three-day Aintree meet.
But if you want full and uninterrupted coverage of all the races, you must have a subscription for Racing TV. Both ITV and Racing TV will provide live streams. ITVX and Racing TV are available through the websites or dedicated apps on your phone.
Willie Mullins' winners
12:17
,
Mike Jones
Prolific Irish trainer Willie Mullins scored four grade one winners on day one at Aintree with the faster ground suiting his horses.
How will he fare today?
Willie Mullins x Every Grade 1 so far at the Randox Grand National Festival.
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 3, 2025
pic.twitter.com/kq48Bx0VeQ
Grand National weather: Latest forecast for Ladies Day at Aintree
12:02
,
Mike Jones
The Grand National Festival is well underway as thousands of spectators flock to Aintree Racecourse to experience to the atmosphere and build up to the world’s biggest horse race.
Conditions have been superb in recent days with sunny and dry conditions predicted for each of the three days with temperatures reaching as high as 19C.
Ladies Day at Aintree
11:58
,
Mike Jones
The spectators are arriving at Aintree ahead of the second day of the Grand National meeting.
It’s Ladies Day and of course there’s plenty of style on display.