As the 2025 Grand National approaches let's take a look back to last year's winner and some names who are set to run again this year.
The 2025 Grand National gets underway today as 34 runners take to Aintree racecourse competing for £500,000 in prize money in the world's best steeplechase.
The spotlight shines once more on the reigning champion, I Am Maximus, who claimed victory in the 2024 edition.
With the horse back to defend his crown today alongside familiar 2024 contenders like Minella Indo and Vanillier, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this iconic steeplechase.
Check out ours tips page or our runners guide for the Grand National.
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Who won the 2024 Grand National?
On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the iconic Aintree Racecourse played host to a thrilling Grand National, where I Am Maximus lived up to his billing as the 7/1 joint favourite.
Ridden by jockey Paul Townend, the 9-year-old delivered a dominant performance, surging clear after the final fence to secure an impressive victory by seven and a half lengths.
This triumph marked Townend’s first-ever Grand National win, a major milestone in his illustrious career. It was also a second success in the famous race for legendary trainer Willie Mullins, nearly two decades after his 2005 victory with Hedgehunter.
For owner JP McManus, it was a third Grand National title, adding to his previous wins with Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021).
The 2024 Grand National was a showcase of Irish dominance, with the top four finishers all trained in Ireland. Delta Work came home in second at odds of 28/1, closely followed by Minella Indo in third (28/1) and Galvin in fourth (40/1), completing a remarkable Irish 1-2-3-4.
The race wasn’t without early drama, as defending champion Corach Rambler unseated his rider at the very first fence, shaking up the field. Despite the early setback, the race unfolded smoothly, with 21 of the 32 starters completing the course. Notably, there were no fallers—reflecting the positive impact of new safety measures, including a reduced field size from 40 to 34 runners.
Previously the winner of the 2023 Irish Grand National, I Am Maximus showcased his impressive stamina and jumping ability throughout the race. After the win, Townend praised the horse’s courage and tenacity, while Mullins expressed his unwavering belief in the gelding’s staying power and class.
He is currently 8/1 favourite to become just the second horse since Red Rum in 1970 to defend his crown in the Grand National.
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Who will be running again in the 2025 Grand National?
The following horses that ran in 2024 are expected to run again in 2025.
I Am Maximus (8/1): The 2024 winner, trained by Willie Mullins, is a top contender again, aiming to defend his title. He’s been a focal point of betting and will carry top weight.
Minella Indo (25/1): Finished 3rd in 2024, trained by Henry de Bromhead and ridden by Rachael Blackmore in past successes.
Vanillier (18/1): Placed 14th in 2024 but was the 2023 runner-up. Trained by Gavin Cromwell, he’s set to run again, with his stamina and experience making him a notable entry.
Meetingofthewaters (25/1): Finished 7th in 2024, another Willie Mullins trainee.
Coko Beach: Came 10th in 2024, trained by Gordon Elliott. This will be his fourth Grand National, having also run in 2022 (8th) and 2023 (pulled up).
