Grand National 2025

About The Grand National

Arguably the most famous National Hunt horse race on the planet, the prestigious Grand National concludes three thrilling days at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside. The unique National course totals a mammoth trip of four miles, two furlongs, and 110 yards. First run all the way back in 1839, it’s the ultimate test of a racehorse, with a maximum field of 34 runners vying for first place. The new field size of 34 is six down from the 40 allowed in 2023 and in years gone by.

Since 2017, the prize purse has totalled a juicy £1 million — the winner of the 2024 instalment will take home £561,300 of that number, with the rest split between the remaining top 10 finishers. The race has also undergone other changes to increase safety for horses and jockeys alike, including the introduction of a ‘no-go zone’ to prevent runners getting caught in the starting tape, and improvements to the spruce-covered fences along with a reduction in runners.

How are horses selected to run in the Grand National?

When getting into National Hunt racing, owners will dream of winning either a Gold Cup or a Grand National. There would be hundreds of horses entered if the owners could all get their charge in, so how are they selected to run by the BHA? The criteria is as follows:

• A minimum Official Rating of 125
• Must be age 7 or older
• The horse must have not just run in, but completed in three or more steeplechases
• The horse must have had at least one run in the current season.
• Attainment of a finishing position between 1st and 4th in a steeplechase spanning 2 miles 7½ furlongs or more

These criteria effectively narrow down the pool of hopeful entrants considerably.

Are Grand National Winners Automatically Qualified for the next year's race?

No, but it would have to be a rare case were a winner of the Grand National in one season to drop so far down in the weights next season that they are not qualified.

Are all Grand National horses thoroughbreds?

Horses running in the Grand National are not required to be thoroughbreds, although plenty have had success over the years. In horse racing in this country, the thoroughbred is the most common breed and particularly on the flat the vast majority of runners are well bred thoroughbreds.

Over jumps, and therefore in the Grand National, there can be a host of different breed of horses taking their chances.  French horses are often AQPS and they can make up into fine jumpers when they come to Britain or Ireland.

Is there a weight limit for horses in the Grand National?

Yes, there is a weight limit in the Grand National. Horses can carry between 10st and 11st 10 and it is decided which horse will carry which weight by the British handicapper, who allocates each Grand National runner with a mark and gives them the weight that corresponds to that in relation to the field.

10st6 was the bottom weight in 2024.

Has a mare won the Grand National in the last decade?

No, a mare has not won the Grand National in the last decade. In fact, there has been no mare winner of the Grand National since 1971.

Who are the top trainers for this year's Grand National runners?

The Grand National is becoming more and more like a regular race, and as such the trainers to watch out for are the biggest names around. Willie Mullins is the reigning champion with I AM MAXIMUS, but things will always be competitive with Gordon Elliott, Dan Skelton, Gavin Cromwell and more sure to bring big chances to Aintree in 2025.

Which Grand National jockeys should we watch out for?

The top jockey around right now is in most people's opinions Paul Townend, who won the race for the first time in 2024 aboard favourite I Am Maximus.

Recent Winners of the Grand National

The Aintree spectacular hasn't been without drama during its history, and the 1993 renewal was infamously voided due to a false start. However, it’s the potential for an epic upset that’s all part of the excitement. Mon Mome caused a 100/1 shock in 2009, as did Rule The World in 2016 — the 33/1 horse had never won a steeplechase, and 19-year-old jockey David Mullins was riding in his first Grand National.

Tiger Roll is one of the most memorable winners in recent years. The Irish-bred horse took victory in both 2018 and 2019, becoming the first horse to win the Grand National back-to-back since Red Rum in 1974. Heavily favoured to take a third win in 2020, the event was unfortunately cancelled for the first time in its 180-year history in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Most recently, I Am Maximus was a decisive winner of the 2024 renewal landing the prize for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend as the 13/2 favourite.

Grand National Key Trends

• Three of the last 10 winners have been favourite
• Five of the last 10 winners were trained in the UK, the other five were trained in Ireland
• Nine of the last 10 winners were aged nine or below
• Four of the last 10 winners have carried 11st 5lbs or more to victory
• Four of the last 10 winners have been priced 25/1 or bigger

Grand National Fences

There are some iconic fences jumped during the Grand National and we pick out some of the most famous ones here:

Becher's Brook - 4ft 10in high

The most iconic fence at Aintree racecourse, Becher's Brook is named after Captain Martin Becher, who unseated in the ditch in the first Grand National in 1839. A different test these days with the landing side being raised, Becher's Brook is still a formidable obstacle for horse and rider.

The Chair - 5ft 2in high

The highest fence jumped in the Grand National, The Chair is only jumped once during the race, The fence is named after the chair the distance judge used to sit in to gauge the official distance between the winner and the runners behind.

Foinavon - 4ft 6in high

Named after the 1967 winner, Foinavon, this fence is one of the smaller obstacles on the track, but is iconic due to its history. Outsider Foinavon was the only horse to jump this obstacle en route to glory in the 1967 renewal, as all the other horses either fell or refused to jump.

The Canal Turn - 5ft high

Gaining its name from the nearby Leeds-Liverpool canal and is iconic for its sharp, 90-degree, left-hand turn that the runners have to take as soon as they have jumped the fence.

Valentine's Brook - 5ft high

With a 5ft 6in brook on the landing side, this fence is named after a horse called Valentine was said to have jumped it hind legs first in 1840.

Previous Winners Of The Grand National

Grand National Odds

Hunting for the best Grand National odds? You’re in the right place. With 34 runners duking it out to be first across the line, it’s not always clear which horse to bet on. Here at HorseRacing.net, our handy comparison table makes it easy. 

You’ll find prices across a range of top bookmakers, so it’s easy to separate the favourites from the underdogs. For each horse, the best odds are displayed in bold — that’s the bookie where you’ll net the biggest payout if your pick comes good.

Need more information before making a decision? We also have the full racecard, where you’ll find essential stats like horse weight, age, trainer, and historic performance. Once you’ve made your selection, click through to sign up and claim your Grand National betting bonus. 

Grand National Betting Sites

Here’s a quick selection of some of our favourite Aintree Grand National betting sites. These online bookmakers have some of the best Grand National betting offers going. Just click through to sign up if you see one you like the look of!

bet365

If you’re making an ante-post bet on the Grand National, bet365 is a great place to do it. This site offers Non Runner No Bet (NRNB), so your stake is refunded if your selection doesn’t run. New customers at bet365 can claim £30 of free bet credit when they sign up and bet £10 at min odds of 1/5. 

Fafabet

There’s a huge range of horse racing markets at Fafabet, who are one of the newest names in the sports betting space in Britain. They have competitive Aintree odds and are planning great specials for the big race itself.

Grand National Free Bets

The Grand National is one of the most prestigious events in the UK horse racing calendar — so it’s no surprise you’ll find a plethora of free bet offers in the run-up to the big day. 

What is a free bet? It’s an offer where you can place a wager on an event at no cost to yourself. Usually, you’ll have to make a qualifying bet or minimum deposit in order to claim. Amounts range from around £10 to £50 or more, usually in return for a £10 qualifying bet. 

We have a fantastic range of Grand National free bets on offer at HorseRacing.net, from big names like William Hill and Betfred. 

Keep in mind your free bet will be subject to various terms and conditions, such as minimum odds and win limits. The stake isn’t usually returned on winning free bets, but you’ll get to keep the profit once you’ve completed any applicable wagering requirements.

Grand National Racecard

Want to know who’s running or which horse to back? You’ll find the full Grand National racecard right here at HorseRacing.net, powered by the Racing Post. 

Our racecards feature vital info like horse age and weight. Sort by odds, RP Rating, Topspeed Rating, or stats like course or distance winner — then, compare prices between Grand National betting sites and click through to place your perfect wager. 

Grand National Date

Next year, the Grand National is set to take place on Saturday 12th April.

The Randox Grand National Festival itself begins on Thursday 10th April with Opening Day, followed by Ladies Day on Friday 11th April. Seven races are scheduled for each day. 

Frequently Asked Questions About The Grand National