The Grand National Festival concludes today with blockbuster showdown at Aintree Racecourse that the last couple of days have been building to.
2024 Grand National champion I Am Maximus is the pre-race favourite with the bookmakers and at the top weight of 11st 12lbs he’ll have a tough job on his hands to emulate Grand National legends Red Rum and Tiger Roll by winning the race two years in a row.
Competitors include the blazingly good Stumptown and Intense Raffles as well as an Irish chaser Perceval Legallois who is being tipped for a surprising victory in front of the thousands of fans gathered to watch.
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 takes place at Aintree this afternoon with the race starting at 4pm
- Full runners and riders for Grand National
- Preview: How I Am Maximus can add to the Grand National’s everlasting popularity
- Grand National betting guide: All 34 horses ranked and rated
- 1.20pm result - Deep Cave wins William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle
13:51
Horaces Pearl is favourite for this one, with 3/1 offered.
Miami Magic is second at 7/2, with Honesty Policy and Regent’s Stroll at 5/1.
Aintree day three tips
13:45
,
Chris Wilson
10 minutes until the second race of the day, so here’s the next tip...
1.55pm - Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle
Lulamba – 2pt win
Fingle Bridge – 1/2pt ew
Lulamba has looked a talented horse in his two UK hurdle events to date and was perhaps a little unlucky to be picked off late on by an unconsidered hurdling debutant in the Triumph Hurdle. The step up to two-and-a-half miles should be ideal and he can stamp his class on this race.
There is a chance the betting markets may underestimate the ability of Fingle Bridge who has been plying his trade in minor races to date. He copes well with spring ground and could outrun his odds.
Deep Cave wins William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:34
,
Chris Wilson
Here’s the full top five from the opening race then.
1 - Deep Cave - 28/1
2 - Timmy Tuesday - 11/2
3 - Double Powerful - 7/1
4 - Park of Kings - 12/1
5 - Catch Him Derry - 5/1
Deep Cave wins William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:31
,
Chris Wilson
“I thought, good control, happy today,” says jockey Jack Tudor.
“It’s worked out nicely. He’s a good-moving horse and it was perfect.
“It’s what it’s about, it’s where you want to be riding,” he adds.
Deep Cave wins William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:29
,
Chris Wilson
Out of nowhere in the middle of the chasing pack, Deep Cave makes plenty of ground before hurdling the last to get into second.
On the final straight he chases down Timmy Tuesday before finishing half a length ahead!
William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:27
,
Chris Wilson
Timmy Tuesday is making ground over the last!
William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:27
,
Chris Wilson
One hurdle left and Building Bridges still leads Dartan!
William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:26
,
Chris Wilson
Three hurdles left in the first race of the day!
Building Bridges still has the lead, but he can keep up this leading pace?
Jipcot, Dartan and Timmy Tuesday are just behind, leading the chasing pack.
The leading duo have gone five lengths clear.
William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:25
,
Chris Wilson
Building Bridges still in the lead with seven hurdles left, with Jipcot and Dartan now making up the rest of the top three.
William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:23
,
Chris Wilson
The pack is still close early on in this one, though Building Bridges leads with Timmy Tuesday and Dartan behind.
William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:21
,
Chris Wilson
We’re underway in the first race of Grand National day!
William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
13:15
,
Chris Wilson
Right, five minutes until this one.
Act of Authority is 4/1 favourite for this one, with Harry Skelton’s Catch Him Derry second at 9/2.
How to watch today's races
13:13
,
Chris Wilson
With just under 10 minutes until the first race of the day, here’s how you can watch today’s events, including the Grand National itself.
The races will be broadcast on ITV and Racing TV, with live streams available on ITVX and the Racing TV website/app.
Aintree day three tips
13:10
,
Chris Wilson
And ahead of the first race of the day, here’s The Independent’s tip from Sam Turner...
1.20pm - William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
Bo Zenith – 1/2pt ew
Double Powerful – 1/2pt ew
It takes a leap of faith to back Bo Zenith after his seemingly modest effort in the Imperial Cup, but he was placed in a Grade 1 here at last year’s meeting and a marked step up in trip and first time cheekpieces could be the catalyst to an improved display.
Double Powerful continues to thrive and improve and looks the type to find further progression tackling three miles for the first time.
Grand National betting tips
13:00
,
Chris Wilson
Here’s Sam Turner with the day’s betting tips ahead of the Grand National!
The perfect 10 for Jonbon as Nico de Boinville earns redemption on day two at the Grand National
12:50
,
Chris Wilson
Here’s a recap of yesterday’s action at Aintree...
The relief was palpable.
Moments after Nico de Boinville crossed the line aboard a resurgent Jonbon in the highlight of Ladies Day, the Grade One My Pension Expert Melling Chase, weighing room colleague Harry Skelton pulled alongside on a weary Protektorat.
The pair shared a handshake and then an embrace.
It was more than just a congratulatory acknowledgement, it was two brothers sharing a ‘but for the grace of God moment’.
As Skelton is all too aware, twenty four hours can be a long time in horse racing, not least a jockey’s life.
Heaviest Grand National winners
12:42
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Aintree day three tips
12:37
,
Chris Wilson
5.35pm - Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Le Labo – 1pt win
Storming George – 1/2pt ew
Joseph O’Brien rarely sends bumper horses to the UK so it seems significant that Le Labo makes the trip, especially as he looked in need of the education at Thurles on his debut. He has already proved he likes good ground and is related to Champion Hurdle winner Binocular so boasts a classy pedigree.
Storming George sprung a big surprise at Doncaster on debut and is largely unconsidered by the market on horse racing betting sites at the time of writing. It might not be wise to underestimate him though.
Aintree day three tips
12:31
,
Sam Turner
5.00pm - Rosconn Group Maghull Novices' Chase
Kalif Du Berlais – 1pt win
L’Eau Du Sud sports the first-time cheekpieces after looking to curl up a little on the run in and, with him sure to be favourite on betting sites in this field, he could be worth taking on with Kalif Du Berlais who hated the heavy ground and two-and-a-half mile trip of the G1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase last time.
He will be fresher than most of this field and the Paul Nicholls team have struck on each of the first two days of the meeting.
Grand National tip
12:27
,
Sam Turner
4.00pm - Randox Grand National Handicap Chase
Perceval Legallois – 1/2pt ew
Minella Cocooner – 1/2pt ew
Senior Chief – 1/2pt ew
Perceval Legallois is improving at the right time, and we may not have seen the best of him yet. He is fancied to complete the hat-trick and emerge best of Gavin Cromwell’s strong contingent. Minella Cocooner should be on the scene granted a clear passage with the booking of Jonathan Burke a major plus, while the lightly raced Senior Chief should enjoy the ground and demands of this race. Three Card Brag boasts the considerable presence of Sean Bowen in the saddle and could play his hand late.
Aintree day three tips
12:20
,
Chris Wilson
3.05pm - Ivy Liverpool Hurdle
Kitzbuhel – 1pt win
Given the way the Willie Mullins team have performed, it seems fruitless to try and oppose Kitzbuhel who must have a huge chance here if seeing out the three miles. His handler has a glut of quality hurdlers at his disposal, so it seems significant that the Closutton think tank deems he is worth stepping up in trip here.
Aintree day three tips
12:12
,
Chris Wilson
2.30pm - William Hill Handicap Chase
Imperial Saint – 1/2pt ew
This trip represents a step into the unknown for Imperial Saint, but his racing style suggests the step up is within his compass and he should appreciate the return to his favoured venue. The selection is 3-3 at Aintree and was an impressive winner when scoring here on Boxing Day by six lengths.
He also boasts good ground form on his CV, courtesy of a brace of victories on Merseyside before Christmas.
Aintree day three tips
12:00
,
Sam Turner
1.55pm - Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle
Lulamba – 2pt win
Fingle Bridge – 1/2pt ew
Lulamba has looked a talented horse in his two UK hurdle events to date and was perhaps a little unlucky to be picked off late on by an unconsidered hurdling debutant in the Triumph Hurdle. The step up to two-and-a-half miles should be ideal and he can stamp his class on this race.
There is a chance the betting markets may underestimate the ability of Fingle Bridge who has been plying his trade in minor races to date. He copes well with spring ground and could outrun his odds.
The Grand National is the biggest horse race in the world – but its future is in serious doubt
11:34
,
Chris Wilson
The FA Cup final, a Lord’s Test match, The Open, Wimbledon, the Grand National – all iconic British sporting events, revered and treasured by the viewing public.
For some of a certain vintage, all of the above, plus the likes of the British Grand Prix and World Snooker Championship are intrinsically linked with our childhoods and formed the very fabric of our sporting obsession, with terrestrial television transporting us to Wembley, Silverstone or Aintree to witness acts of brilliance and unstinting bravery.
That was certainly the correct description for the jockeys that tackled the National’s formidable obstacles – 40 horses galloping at high speed, attacking fences like Becher’s Brook and The Chair. There was a jeopardy, an unavoidable feeling of anxiety and suspense; would the horse we had drawn in the office sweepstake, been tipped by grandma or picked on trends and statistics, navigate both the 5ft ditch and most imposing fence on the course at 5ft 2in?
Grand National weather forecast predicts glorious day for Aintree punters
11:27
,
Chris Wilson
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.
The Met Office has forecast bright sunshine throughout today as the festival gears up for its showpiece event, the Grand National at 4pm. The temperature will reach highs of 17C around 3pm on a slightly cooler day for attendees than yesterday.
15mph winds are also due which will cool down those attending the races but it’ll be a generally warm day with less than a 5% chance of precipitation.
Non-runners at Aintree today
11:12
,
Luke Baker
Some early news on today’s non-runners at Aintree. None from the Grand National as it stands and a lot pulling out because of the going of the ground
1.20pm William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
- 1 Maximilian (GER) (Going)
- 2 Jeriko du Reponet (FR) (Going)
- 9 Bo Zenith (FR) (Going)
- 16 Nurse Susan (FR) (Going)
- 22 Navajo Indy (Self Cert, Bruised Foot)
1.55pm Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 2 Fingle Bridge (IRE) (Self Cert, Going)
- 10 Moon Phases (IRE) (Going)
- 12 Lulamba (FR) (Going)
2.30pm William Hill Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
- 4 Myretown (IRE) (Self Cert, Not Eaten Up)
- 7 Peaky Boy (IRE) (Self Cert, Not Eaten Up)
- 10 Doctor Ken (FR) (Self Cert, Going)
- 12 Heltenham (FR) (Going)
3.05pm Ivy Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 3 Dashel Drasher (Going)
5.35pm Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 209y
- 1 Blofeld (IRE) (Going)
- 2 Camberwell (IRE) (Going)
- 5 Edward Sexton (IRE) (Going)
- 6 El Cairos (FR) (Going)
How I Am Maximus can add to the Grand National’s everlasting popularity
10:30
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Cromwell hopeful of Perceval Legallois success
10:26
,
Sam Turner, at Aintree Racecourse
William Hill ambassador Gavin Cromwell believes all three of his Grand National contenders have live chances, but Perceval Legallois will be most favoured by the better ground.
Cromwell said: “We have four runners at Aintree on Saturday, three of which are in the Grand National (4.00pm). I really can’t split them. It’s going to be all about who shows up on the day and gets the luck in-running.
“I haven’t thought about how it might feel to win it with one of them this year, and I’m not going to just yet! We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing, hope they all run well and one of them wins.
“Unlike the other two, Perceval Legallois comes into the race fresh after the Dublin Racing Festival. He’s really well, in great form, he looks great – we’re really happy with him. He goes well fresh so the longer layoff will have suited him.
“I don’t see any problems with him being able to see out the trip, especially on nice ground. Actually, I think he’ll appreciate the better ground the most of our three. He should be well able to travel on that ground.”
Grand National 2025 runners, riders and odds
10:15
,
Chris Wilson
Here’s brief look at the runners and odds ahead of the race later on.
Grand National odds 2025: Latest Grand National betting odds and trends
10:00
,
Chris Wilson
This Saturday’s Grand National promises to capture the imagination of the entire nation and we’re here to guide you through the leading horses in line for a crack at immortality, outlining the chances of the favourites as well as pinpointing some of the best Grand National outsiders.
Check out all of the latest Grand National odds from the best Grand National betting sites before placing your bet online, while also look at the best National contenders for the 2025 iteration of the race against the trends of previous winners using the betting strategies outlined below.
Grand National 2025 entries - ranked by current odds
09:30
,
Chris Wilson
- I Am Maximus 7/1
- Iroko 17/2
- Stumptown 10/1
- Hewick 11/1
- Perceval Legallois 11/1
- Intense Raffles 14/1
- Vanillier 14/1
- Minella Cocooner 14/1
- Hyland 18/1
- Kandoo Kid 18/1
- Minella Indo 22/1
- Meetingofthewaters 22/1
- Beauport 25/1
- Three Card Brag 25/1
- Nick Rockett 28/1
- Grangeclare West 33/1
- Threeunderthrufive 33/1
- Senior Chief 33/1
- Duffle Coat 40/1
- Hitman 40/1
- Appreciate It 40/1
- Bravemansgame 50/1
- Monbeg Genius 50/1
- Fil Dor 50/1
- Twig 50/1
- Broadway Boy 66/1
- Stay Away Fay 80/1
- Coko Beach 80/1
- Chantry House 100/1
- Royale Pagaille 100/1
- Conflated 100/1
- Idas Boy 100/1
- Celebre D’Allen 125/1
- Horantzau D’Airy 150/1
How much does the Grand National winner win?
09:00
,
Chris Wilson
The pot for the Grand National is up to an eyewatering £1 million and the winning connections earn £500,000.
The rest of the pot is split up as follows:
- Second place – £200,000
- Third place – £100,000
- Fourth place – £65,000
- Fifth place – £40,000
- Sixth place – £30,000
- Seventh place – £20,000
- Eight place – £ 15,000
- Ninth place – £10,000
- Tenth place – £5,000
When and where is the Grand National 2025?
08:25
,
Chris Wilson
The Grand National is on Saturday, 5 April and headlines a three-day festival of racing at Aintree racecourse, which begins on Thursday, 3 April.
The big race begins at 4pm BST on 5 April. Aintree Racecourse, positioned just outside of Liverpool, will host the iconic race, with more history to be made this year on the Mildmay course.
The triangular-shaped course, which is just over 2m2f long, is one of the most challenging tests in the sport with a maximum of 34 horses, cut from 40 in 2023, battling for glory.
The race can vary in time, with Mr Frisk triumphing in 1990 in a breathtaking time of eight minutes and 47.80 seconds, but most years the winner crosses the finish line in just over nine minutes.
Grand National wide open this year
08:12
,
Chris Wilson
The Grand National arrives today as momentum gathers after a thrilling four days at Cheltenham Festival to leave the British horse racing calendar in full swing.
Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin appeared set to attempt a famous double at Aintree, but he was one of 11 horses taken out at the second round of scratches while a number of others withdrew at the five-day confirmation point, boosting hopes of an audacious repeat for I Am Maximus after glory in 2024 with jockey Paul Townend.
Inothewayurthinkin, who was the 3/1 favourite on betting sites after downing Galopin des Champs at Cheltenham, was attempting to become just the second horse after Golden Miller in 1934 to win both iconic races in the same season.
But his withdrawal leaves the likes of Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles, Iroko and Stumptown as the big contenders to stop I Am Maximus becoming the latest dual scorer after Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.
Grand National betting guide: All 34 horses ranked and rated
Friday 4 April 2025 17:24
,
Chris Wilson
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.
The Willie Mullins horse is by no means a sure bet this year, though, with the field for potential victors opening up even further after Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin was ruled out of the race - having topped the market within minutes of claiming a glorious upset over Galopin des Champs in the iconic race at Prestbury Park.
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.
Independent racing correspondent Sam Turner dissects all 34 runners for Saturday’s Grand National and sides with an improving Irish chaser.