Stay Ahead with the Latest Grand National 2025 News

The Grand National is one of the most iconic horse racing events in the world, drawing bettors, fans, and spectators from all corners of the globe. Held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, the Grand National is a thrilling test of endurance, skill, and bravery, as horses and jockeys navigate a grueling 4-mile course featuring 30 challenging fences. The event has a rich history dating back to 1839, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the sport. Its unique combination of unpredictability, and high stakes ensures it remains a highlight of the British sporting calendar.

As we approach the 2025 edition, excitement is already building for the Aintree Grand National 2025. With fans eager to see which horses will take part and which will emerge as the favourite for Grand National glory, attention turns to key details such as what date is the Grand National 2025 and where to watch Grand National coverage. The anticipation surrounding the race grows with each passing year, as bettors look to make their predictions and secure the best odds on the winner.

The previous year saw an unforgettable finish, with the winner of Grand National 2024 thrilling the crowds, but who will take home the trophy in 2025? The question on every racing fan’s mind, alongside how to watch Grand National live. As the date of the event nears, the Aintree Grand National 2025 tickets price and availability will become crucial for those hoping to attend in person. 

Whether you’re planning to watch the race at Aintree or from the comfort of your home, there are plenty of options for enjoying the spectacle, so make sure to mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable race. Let’s now get into the details of the event and know more about the previous and upcoming events, the Grand National 2025 tickets price, schedule, timetable, and most importantly the ways you can bet on the event.

The Grand National 2025 

The Randox Grand National Festival is more than just the world’s most prestigious steeplechase – it’s an extraordinary experience where legends are born, and unforgettable moments are carved into history. This is horse racing like never before – a national treasure that captivates a global audience.

Over three exhilarating days, you’ll feel the thrill of high-stakes racing and the camaraderie of fans from every corner of the world. Each day blends top-tier entertainment, heart-racing sport, and vibrant social events, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Picture standing among thousands of spectators, the ground trembling as the horses race by, sharing in the excitement and emotion with fellow fans.

This is an event to experience, to live, and to feel. From the festival’s first day to the high point of Grand National Day, every moment is filled with anticipation and exhilaration.

Don’t just watch the greatest race on TV – be there to witness it firsthand, to hear the roar of the crowd, and to experience the triumphs and heartaches that make The Randox Grand National Festival one-of-a-kind. The Grand National 2025 tickets price vary from £85 for the Festival Zone area through to £195 for a dedicated seat in the best vantage point in the grandstand.

The Grand National typically features a maximum of 34 runners following recent safety changes introduced in 2024. Previously, the race allowed up to 40 horses, but the reduction aims to improve horse and jockey welfare while maintaining the race’s excitement. The number of actual starters can vary depending on withdrawals or non-runners before the race. Furthermore the list of this year’s runners and riders for the Grand National has been posted by Racing Post, which you can see here.

The Grand National 2024 Highlights

First question – who won Grand National 2024? The 2024 Grand National, held on April 13 at Aintree Racecourse, delivered a thrilling spectacle, culminating in a victory for I Am Maximus, the 7/1 joint favorite. Ridden by jockey Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, I Am Maximus secured Mullins’s second Grand National win and provided owner J.P. McManus with another prestigious title.

The race commenced with a dramatic turn as Corach Rambler, the previous year’s champion, unseated his rider at the first fence, dashing hopes of a consecutive win. 

Grand national winners in 2024:

1. I Am Maximus
2. Delta Work​
3. Minella Indo​
4. Galvin​
5. Kitty’s Light​

At the races, out of 32 runners for the Grand National, 21 horses completed the course. Notable non-finishers included Stattler, who was pulled up at Valentine’s Brook, and Mahler Mission, who unseated his rider at The Chair. 

The 2024 Grand National was broadcast live on ITV, marking the seventh consecutive year of coverage under their renewed three-year contract with the British Horseracing Authority. The broadcast featured comprehensive analysis and commentary from a team of experts, including Ed Chamberlin, Sir Anthony McCoy, and Ruby Walsh.

The race was run under soft conditions, adding an extra layer of challenge for the competitors. Despite the testing ground, I Am Maximus showcased exceptional stamina and jumping ability to claim victory. 

The 2024 Grand National will be remembered for its unexpected turns and the triumph of I Am Maximus, further cementing the event’s reputation for unpredictability and excitement.​

About I Am Maximus horse 

I Am Maximus is a standout horse, best known for winning the Grand National in 2024. Trained by Willie Mullins, this talented contender demonstrated impressive stamina and determination to conquer Aintree’s challenging course. With his ability to perform under pressure, I Am Maximus enters the 2025 race as a strong contender. While defending the title is always challenging, his consistent form and Mullins’ expert handling make him a serious threat. If he stays fit and handles the course well, it’s certainly possible for I Am Maximus to win again this year, but he will face stiff competition.

The Grand National 2025 Predictions

The Grand National 2025 is generating considerable anticipation among horse racing enthusiasts, as well as betting on the Grand National is super popular amongst bettors. With the recent withdrawal of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin, the field has opened up, leading to increased speculation about potential victors.​ Here are some predictions for the upcoming event, which you can take into account before making a bet.

Top Contenders:

• Intense Raffles: Currently the favorite with odds around 7/1, Intense Raffles has demonstrated consistent performance, making him a strong candidate for this year’s title. ​
• Iroko: Following closely with odds of 9/1, Iroko’s recent form suggests he’s a serious contender for the top spot. ​
• I Am Maximus: As the defending champion, I Am Maximus aims to replicate his previous success. Trainer Willie Mullins has expressed confidence in his ability to handle the weight challenge and perform well again. 

Each-Way Prospects:

• Stumptown: With odds of 10/1, Stumptown has shown promise in recent outings and could offer value for each-way bettors. ​
• Perceval Legallois: Priced at 14/1, this horse has been identified as a potential threat, especially considering the confidence shown by trainer Gavin Cromwell and owner JP McManus. 

Longshot Consideration:

• Nick Rockett: At 16/1, Nick Rockett, trained by Willie Mullins, could surprise, particularly if the race conditions favor his running style.

When is the Grand National 2025?

The Grand National 2025 is set for Saturday, April 5, serving as the highlight of the three-day Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, which kicks off on Thursday, April 3.

For those asking what time is the Grand National, the race is typically scheduled in the late afternoon, with the start time usually around 5:15 PM (GMT). This gives you plenty of time to finalize your bets and engage in the festive atmosphere leading up to the event. Placing a bet on the Grand National is an exciting way to enhance your race day experience. Whether you’re a casual fan or a passionate racing enthusiast, there’s no better way to enjoy the spectacle than to place a bet on the Grand National.

When is the Grand National 2025 timetable?

This esteemed three-day event features a series of top-tier races, culminating in the world-renowned Grand National on the final day.​ Let’s see what you can expect from this event.

Opening Day – Thursday, April 3, 2025

• Gates Open: 11:00 AM​
• Race Schedule:
  • 1:45 PM: The EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1) – 2m 4f​
  • 2:20 PM: The Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle Race (Grade 1) – 2m 1f​
  • 2:55 PM: The Aintree Bowl Steeplechase (Grade 1) – 3m 1f
  • 3:30 PM: The William Hill Aintree Hurdle Race (Grade 1) – 2m 4f​
  • 4:05 PM: The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase (Class 2) – 2m 5f​
  • 4:40 PM: The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Premier Handicap) – 2m​
  • 5:15 PM: The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) – 2m 1f​

Ladies Day – Friday, April 4, 2025

• Gates Open: 10:30 AM​
• Race Schedule:
  • 1:45 PM: The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1) – 3m 1f​
  • 2:20 PM: The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap) – 2m 4f​
  • 2:55 PM: The TrustATrader Top Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1) – 2m ½f​
  • 3:30 PM: The My Pension Expert Melling Steeple Chase (Grade 1) – 2m 4f​
  • 4:05 PM: The Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Handicap Steeple Chase (Premier Handicap) – 2m 5f​
  • 4:40 PM: The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1) – 3m ½f​
  • 5:15 PM: The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2) – 2m ½f​

Grand National Day – Saturday, April 5, 2025

• Gates Open: 10:00 AM​
• Race Schedule:
  • 1:20 PM: The William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap) – 3m ½f​
  • 1:55 PM: The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1) – 2m 4f​
  • 2:30 PM: The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (Premier Handicap) – 3m 1f​
  • 3:05 PM: The Liverpool Hurdle Race (Grade 1) – 3m ½f​
  • 4:00 PM: The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase – 4m 2½f​
  • 5:00 PM: The Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1) – 2m​
  • 5:35 PM: The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) – 2m 1f​

The highlight of the festival, the Grand National race, is set to commence at 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2025. This challenging steeplechase spans over four miles and two and a half furlongs, featuring 30 formidable fences. The event will be broadcast live on ITV, with streaming available via ITVX, ensuring fans can follow the action closely. 

For those interested in attending, tickets and hospitality packages are available for purchase through the official Jockey Club website. Early booking is recommended to secure preferred seating and experiences. ​

Please note that race times and schedules are subject to change. It is advisable to check the official Grand National website for the most up-to-date information.

How long is the Grand National Steeplechase?

The Grand National steeplechase is 4 miles, two and a half furlongs (approximately 6.9 kilometers or 4.25 miles) long. It is the longest National Hunt race in Britain and features 30 fences spread over two laps of the Aintree Racecourse. The challenging distance, combined with the iconic obstacles, makes it one of the toughest and most exciting horse races in the world.

Originally constructed from natural thorn hedges, the fences were once known as “thorn fences.” Today, they are crafted from Sitka or Norway spruce, sourced from the Lake District, and woven into a plastic birch structure. This design allows for greater flexibility, reducing the risk of serious injury if a horse makes a mistake. The Aintree Ground Staff team spends three weeks building the fences, using 16 lorry-loads of spruce to prepare for the Grand National Festival.

Aintree’s course is famous for its challenging and varied fences, including Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, and Valentine’s, each testing the skill and endurance of both horse and rider. Fence heights vary, with the smallest standing at 4ft 6in, while the tallest, The Chair, reaches 5ft 2in and features a 5ft-wide ditch on the take-off side, making it one of the most formidable obstacles on the course.

Where is the Grand National 2025?

The Grand National and its three-day festival take place at Aintree Racecourse, located just outside Liverpool, UK.

While most races at Aintree are run on the Mildmay Course, which features standard hurdle and chase tracks, the Grand National is held on a triangular-shaped course measuring just over 2 miles and 2 furlongs per lap. Unlike the Mildmay Course, all races on the Grand National Course—including the main event—feature the legendary fences that make this race one of the most challenging and exciting in the world.

Getting ready for the Grand National 2025

The Grand National is one of the most thrilling and iconic events in the world of horse racing, and with the 2025 edition fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to prepare for one of the most exciting betting opportunities of the year. 

For those looking to place a bet on the Grand National, crypto platforms offer competitive odds that cater to both seasoned bettors and newcomers. With its advanced Odds Scanner filter, offering a range of options you can easily bet on the Grand National online. 

And don’t forget, many sites offer special bonuses or enhanced odds in the lead-up to the event, making betting on the Grand National online even more enticing.

Conclusion 

The Grand National remains one of the most challenging and thrilling events in horse racing. While favorites like Intense Raffles and Iroko are attracting attention, the race’s history is filled with unexpected outcomes, making it essential to consider a range of factors when placing bets. 

Whether you’re backing a favorite, considering an each-way outsider, or simply watching for the sheer spectacle, the Grand National never fails to deliver drama and excitement. Be sure to check the latest news, and expert insights to maximize your chances. And most importantly, enjoy the race—because at Aintree, anything can happen. Remember to always gamble responsibly and enjoy the spectacle that is the Grand National.