Grand National 2025 Betting Tips & Predictions
Welcome to our page for 2025 Aintree Grand National Betting Tips and Predictions! This page is your go-to resource for expert insights and detailed analysis to help you make informed betting decisions for one of the biggest events in horse racing.
The Grand National, held annually at Aintree Racecourse, is truly unique. With a history dating back to 1839, it's the ultimate test of stamina and skill for both horses and jockeys with only the best of the stacked field competing at the end of the four miles, two furlongs and 74 yards.
Over 150,000 spectators flock to Aintree each year, and the race captivates an estimated 600 million viewers in over 140 countries. The 2025 Grand National boasts a prize fund exceeding £1 million, making it one of the richest races in the world.
However, with so much at stake and a stacked field of around 34 runners, this makes it a daunting task for both experienced and casual bettors to pick a winner, which is why we have created this page – to give you access to the expert information you need to get the most of your bets at the Grand National.
Our expert team of professional tipsters will provide in-depth analysis of the top contenders, key insights based on current trends and historical data, and betting strategies to provide you with the best chance of picking a winner.
Tips for Picking the Grand National Winner
Over the past 10 Grand Nationals (2014–2023), a total of 397 individual entries have taken part in the race. Which means that we have a wealth of facts and figures at our disposal to work out the trends which matter when picking a Grand National Winner. Below is a guide to some of the most important factors you should consider.
Strategy: Casual Selection vs. Strategic Betting
While some bettors overthink a selection and make it more complicated than needed, others don't put enough thought into it, it's important to find a balance.
Casual Selection: If you're a casual bettor, you might choose a horse based on its name, jockey colors, or other personal preferences. While this can be fun, it's less likely to yield consistent results.
Strategic Betting: For a more strategic approach, consider factors such as form, weight, age, and past performances. This method involves more research but can significantly increase your chances of picking a winner.
Weight Trends
A horse's weight affects its speed, stamina and overall performance. While some horses can handle a higher weight and may be strong or fit enough to exert the additional effort required, a lower weight will often be an advantage.
Weights are especially important in the Grand National because it is a handicap race over an extreme distance (4 miles and 2½ furlongs).
The race assigns weights to level the playing field, with better-performing horses carrying more. Finding a horse that can manage its assigned weight is key to identifying contenders.
Horses carrying between 10-3 to 10-13 stone (143 to 153 pounds) have a better chance of winning. Over the past 10 years, 7/10 winners have carried between those wights
For example, Corach Rambler (2023 Grand National) carried 10-5 stone.
Lighter weights generally help horses maintain stamina over the long distance.
Although don't count out the horses carrying heavier weights as I Am Maximus defied this trend when winning off 11-6 stone last year.
Age Trends
Age is important when picking a horse because it effects the horse's physical maturity, stamina, and experience.
Horses typically peak physically between 8 and 10 years old where they will be able to handle races that test their endurance and strength more.
This is important in the Grand National as it requires exceptional stamina.
Age often correlates with race experience. Horses around 8–10 years old usually have enough racing miles to develop the skills needed for the National's unique demands, including jumping large fences and navigating the chaotic field of runners.
Age: The ideal age for a Grand National winner is 8 or 9 years old. Horses at these ages have the right balance of experience and stamina.
Tiger Roll won in 2018 and 2019 at the ages of 8 and 9.
Younger horses may lack the necessary experience, while older horses might struggle with the demanding course.
Eight of the last 10 winners have been 8 or 9 years-old
Odds & Favourites
Favourites: While favourites have a decent record, they don't always win. In the past 10 years, only four favourites have won, including I Am Maximus (2024) at 7/1.
Longer odds can sometimes offer better value, as seen with Noble Yeats (2022) at 50/1.
Betting on favourites can be safer, but exploring longer odds can yield higher returns.
Over the last 20 renewals there have been six winning favourites in the race
Seasonal Runs
Seasonal Runs: Horses that have had 3 to 6 runs in the current season tend to perform well. This ensures they are fit and in form without being over-raced.
One For Arthur (2017) had four runs before his Grand National victory.
Too few runs might indicate a lack of fitness, while too many can lead to fatigue.
All 11 of the last 11 winners had at least 3 previous runs that season.
9 winners out of the last 11 has run less than six times that season before competing in the Grand National
9 of the last 11 winners had at least 1 previous win that season
5/11 winners won on their last run before the Grand National, 2/11 placed on their last run, 9/11 winners had their last run within the last 49 days
Distance Performers (Stamina)
Stamina: Horses that have performed well over distances of 3 miles or more are better suited for the Grand National. This race is a true test of stamina.
Look for horses with proven endurance to handle the 4-mile-plus course.
8/11 winners of the past winers had at least 7 runs over 3 miles or longer
Jockey
Jockeys: Experienced jockeys with a good track record at the Grand National can make a significant difference.
For instance, Davy Russell rode Tiger Roll to victory in both 2018 and 2019.
A skilled jockey can navigate the challenging course and make strategic decisions during the race.
However, there isn't one jockey who stands out as an expert in the Grand National.
The ideal Horse
The ideal Grand National horse is 8-9 years old, carries between 10-3 to 10-13 stone (143 to 153 pounds), has had 3-6 seasonal runs and at least one win to ensure fitness without being over-raced, and performs well over distances of 3 miles or more.
This horse should also be ridden by an experienced jockey who can navigate the challenging course effectively. While favourites have a decent record, the ideal horse doesn't have to be a favourite and can be a longer-priced contender, offering potentially higher returns.
How to Find the Latest Grand National Tips
It is important for the bettors to regularly check back on this Oddschecker page and visit the Insights section for the most up-to-date Grand National tips and resources as tips can change daily and are frequently updated on the site.
Grand National 2025 Favourite Runners
Here are some profiles of horses that have caught our attention in the build up to the Grand National along with some interesting insight.
Intense Raffles
Trainer: Thomas Gibney
Jockey: J.J. Slevin/Daryl Jacob
Form: 1119102
Age: 7
Preferable Ground Conditions: Soft to Heavy (excels in testing conditions)
Current Odds: 7/1
Horse History / Background: Intense Raffles, a talented 6-year-old grey, burst onto the scene with a thrilling victory in the 2024 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, a track where he has shown exceptional form since arriving from France. Owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, this French import has quickly adapted to Irish racing, securing three wins at Fairyhouse, including the prestigious Easter Monday showpiece. J.J. Slevin stepped in for the injured Daryl Jacob to guide him to that memorable Irish Grand National triumph.
Iroko
Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Jockey: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.
Form: 1522F43
Age: 7
Preferable Ground Conditions: Good to Soft (has shown versatility but performs well on softer ground)
Current Odds: 8/1
Horse History / Background: Iroko, a promising 6-year-old owned by J.P. McManus, has been earmarked as a potential Grand National contender following a strong novice chasing campaign. Trained by the partnership of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, he gained attention with a standout victory at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, showcasing his staying power and class. Transitioning to fences, Iroko has continued to impress, with his connections plotting a deliberate path toward the 2025 Aintree Grand National.
I Am Maximus
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Paul Townend
Form: 14311P8
Age: 8
Preferable Ground Conditions: Testing (softer, heavier ground)
Current Odds: 10/1
Horse History / Background: Winner of the 2024 Aintree Grand National, this 8-year-old is expected to return in 2025 to defend his crown. Paul Townend expertly guided him through the marathon Aintree trip, showcasing his stamina and skill. His impressive triumph marked the second Grand National win for the powerhouse Irish trainer, Willie Mullins.
Which Horse Should You Back to Win?
After the second round of scratchings there are 67 horses currently looking to make it to the start line on the 5th April.
With the field beginning to take shape we can get a slightly clearer picture of how the race might unfold.
Our expert tipster Steve Ryder has his eye on Vanillier (16/1), who he thinks looks well-placed to contend with Inothewayurthinkin out and a strong Cross Country Chase run and solid form off a 147 rating under his belt.
It’s still quite early to make a definitive pick, but keep an eye on the ‘Ideal Horse’ profile as the field takes shape. Be sure to check out the ante-post markets for any early value, and we’ll update this page with expert-backed recommendations as more information becomes available.
Grand National Dark Horse: Choosing The Value Bets
The favourite has only won the Grand National in four of the last 20 renewals so there is every reason to take on the top of the market.
Infact, the Grand National has a history of upsets—like Mon Mome (100/1, 2009) or Noble Yeats (50/1, 2022)— which shows that big-priced runners can triumph.
Below, we have highlighted some horses currently listed at 40/1 or longer who could cause a surprise, based on their profiles, recent performances, and suitability for Aintree’s grueling 4-mile-514-yard test
Minella Indo
Current Odds: 40/1
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Age: 12
Profile: A former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner (2021), Minella Indo has staying power, finishing third in the 2024 Grand National. His two runs since have thrown up a second at Punchestown, with a sixth at Navan. His age is a worry and he might be past his peak but his class and Aintree showing last year (11st 2lb) make him a speculative pick at 40/1. De Bromhead’s 2021 win with Minella Times adds credibility.
Make sure to revisit this page as the Grand National approaches for the latest information, recommendations and bookie odds.
Remember, backing these horses in the Ante-Post market can wield bigger returns, especially on value bets.
Which Favourites Have Won The Grand National?
Based on the data provided for Grand National (GN) winners from 2000-2024, favourites have not consistently dominated this challenging race. Here's an analysis of how often favourites win and what the trends suggest for bettors.
Frequency of Favourites Winning
2024: I Am Maximus (7/1 Joint Favourite)
2023: Corach Rambler (8/1 Favourite)
2019: Tiger Roll (4/1 Favourite)
2010: Don't Push It (10/1 Favourite)
Among the listed winners, favourites won in 2024, 2023, 2019, and 2010, totaling four wins over the past 20 years. This means that the favourite has won approximately 20% of the time in these recent editions.
Odds of Favourites and Typical Winners
When favourites have won, their odds have tended to be around 4/1 to 10/1. This aligns with the GN's reputation for unpredictability, as many races have seen winners with much higher odds, like Mon Mome at 100/1 in 2009 and Auroras Encore at 66/1 in 2013.
Is Backing the Favourite a Good Strategy?
While favourites have had some success, the Grand National's history shows it to be a highly unpredictable race where longer-odds horses frequently outperform expectations. Out of the past 20 races, 16 winners were not the favourites, and 50% had odds well over 20/1.
Favourites Results in The Grand National
| Year |
Favourite's Name |
Starting Odds |
Finishing Position |
| 2024 |
I Am Maximus |
7/1 fav |
Won |
| 2023 |
Corach Rambler |
8/1 fav |
Won |
| 2022 |
Any Second Now |
15/2 fav |
2nd |
| 2021 |
Cloth Cap |
11/2 fav |
Pulled up |
| 2019 |
Tiger Roll |
4/1 fav |
Won |
| 2018 |
Total Recall |
7/1 fav |
Pulled up |
| 2017 |
Blaklion |
8/1 fav |
4th |
| 2016 |
The Last Samuri |
8/1 joint fav |
2nd |
| 2016 |
Many Clouds |
8/1 joint fav |
16th |
| 2015 |
Shutthefrontdoor |
6/1 fav |
5th |
| 2014 |
Double Seven |
10/1 joint fav |
3rd |
| 2014 |
Teaforthree |
10/1 joint fav |
Unseated rider |
| 2013 |
Seabass |
11/2 |
13th |
| 2012 |
Seabass |
8/1 joint fav |
3rd |
Winners: 4 favourites won the Grand National (I Am Maximus in 2024, Corach Rambler in 2023, Tiger Roll in 2019, and Tiger Roll in 2018).
Top 3 Finishes: 9/14 favourites finished in the top 3 positions.
Top 5 Finishes: 11/14 favourites finished in the top 5 positions.
Pulled Up: 2 favourites were pulled up during the race (Cloth Cap in 2021 and Total Recall in 2018).
Unseated Rider: 1 favourite unseated its rider (Teaforthree in 2014).
Lowest Finishing Position: The lowest finishing position was 16th (Many Clouds in 2016).
These stats show that while favourites often perform well, they don't always win, and there can be significant variability in their finishing positions.
Grand National Winners Trends
Here are some common trends that emerge when looking at the profiles of horses who have won in the Grand National at Aintree in recent years.
Weight
Optimal Weight Range: Horses carrying between 10-3 to 10-13 stone (143 to 153 pounds) have a better chance of winning. Over the past 10 years, 7 out of 10 winners have carried weights within this range.
Impact on Performance: Lighter weights generally help horses maintain stamina over the long distance, which is crucial for the Grand National.
Age
Ideal Age: 26 of the last 33 winners were aged 9 or older. However, it's worth noting that 5 of the last 9 winners were 8-year-olds, indicating a trend towards slightly younger horses performing well.
Experience and Stamina: Horses aged 8 or 9 tend to have the right balance of experience and stamina needed for the demanding course.
Form and Stamina
Distance Performance: 29 of the last 33 winners had previously won over distances of 3 miles or more, highlighting the importance of proven stamina.
Recent Form: 31 of the last 33 winners ran no more than 55 days ago, with 25 of the last 33 racing no more than 34 days ago. This suggests that horses need to be in good recent form to perform well.
Seasonal Runs: All of the last 11 winners had at least 3 previous runs that season, and 9 out of 11 had no more than 6 runs. Additionally, 9 out of 11 had at least 1 previous win that season.
Wins Over Fences: 21 out of the last 33 winners had won between 4-6 times over fences before their Grand National victory.
Irish-Based Stables
Success Rate: 9 of the last 18 winners came from Irish-based stables, including 6 of the last 8. This trend highlights the strength of Irish-trained horses in the Grand National.
Best Odds for Grand National 2025 Winner
| Horse |
Best Ante-Post Odds |
Implied Probability (%) |
| I Am Maximus |
12/1 |
7.69 |
| Intense Raffles |
20/1 |
4.76 |
| Minella Cocooner |
25/1 |
3.85 |
| Corbetts Cross |
25/1 |
3.85 |
| Chianti Classico |
25/1 |
3.85 |
| Minella Indo |
33/1 |
2.94 |
| Three Card Brag |
33/1 |
2.94 |
| Iroko |
33/1 |
2.94 |
| Montys Star |
33/1 |
2.94 |
For the best ante-post betting odds for the Grand National, you can visit ours odds comparison page here.
Who are our 2025 Grand National Tipsters?
Our tipsters are among the top experts in the horse racing industry. With extensive knowledge and years of experience in both betting and horse racing, they are well-equipped to guide you towards profitability in the 2025 Grand National.
Here is an overview of why you can trust our tipsters.
Andy Holding
Andy Holding is held in such high esteem by his peers that he is nicknamed ‘The pundit's pundit'. Oddschecker users now have access to his valuable insight on a daily basis. Andy is a regular pundit on William Hill Radio, where listeners have become accustomed to his encyclopedic knowledge of the form book. He also produces his own speed figures and sectional times for every meeting (Flat and Jumps), both in the UK and Ireland. Impressively, he is 146 points in profit from January to November 2024.
Liam Firkin
Winner of the 2024 Racing TV Tipstar at Cheltenham, is known for finding hidden value in horse racing markets. As part of Oddschecker+ Premium, he'll be providing expert insights and tips for the 2025 Grand National, using his sharp eye for ante-post opportunities and day-to-day value across UK and Irish racing.
Racing Lee
A professional horse racing tipster and co-host of the "Only Fools Love Horses" Racing podcast, Racing Lee also runs a successful racing Twitter account with over 20k followers, sharing valuable tips and insights.
Ginger Joe
A passionate racing expert with deep roots in the sport, provides daily tips and in-depth content to his growing community. With a strong following across platforms, including Twitter, YouTube, and an exclusive Discord, he combines insider knowledge and statistical analysis to uncover trends and valuable betting opportunities. As part of Oddschecker+ Premium, he’ll offer expert insights and tips for the 2025 Grand National, keeping bettors ahead of the curve.
Steve Ryder
Steve Ryder joined the Oddschecker team in 2021 and has been profitable to punters each year. His best result came in 2022, showing a profit of +139.58 points. Steve combines this role with producing and featuring on the podcast/YouTube show Racing Weekly alongside Rishi Persad. Armed with an up-to-date tracker of eyecatchers, Steve is committed to providing you with winners!
Architect Tips
With over 8 years of expertise, Architect Tips offers high-quality, engaging, and creative content. They have a proven track record with horse racing tips for some of the most recognized horse racing platforms.
Joe Norris (GYTO)
Joe Norris is a professional sports betting tipster under the "Get Your Tips Out" (GYTO) brand, established in 2009. GYTO has won many awards for tipping, including being awarded "Most Profitable Horse Racing Tipster for Cheltenham Festival."
How To bet on 2025 Grand National?
In the Grand National, bettors are primarily interested in Outright Winner Bets, where they bet on a specific horse to win the race, and Each Way Bets, which cover both the horse winning and placing in the top positions.
Outright Winner Bet
An outright winner bet is the simplest and most straightforward type of bet. You are betting on a specific horse to win the race. If your chosen horse finishes first, you win the bet. If it doesn't, you lose.
When to Choose an Outright Winner Bet:
Confidence in a Horse: If you have strong confidence in a particular horse's chances of winning based on form, jockey, trainer, or other factors.
Higher Returns: Outright winner bets can offer higher returns compared to each way bets, especially if the horse is not the favourite.
Each Way Bet
An each way bet is essentially two bets in one: one bet on the horse to win and another bet on the horse to place (usually finishing in the top 2, 3, or 4, depending on the number of runners and the bookmaker's terms). If the horse wins, both parts of the bet pay out. If the horse places but does not win, only the place part of the bet pays out.
When to Choose an Each Way Bet:
Uncertainty: If you are not entirely confident that the horse will win but believe it has a good chance of finishing in the top positions.
Lower Risk: Each way bets reduce the risk compared to outright winner bets, as you can still get a return if the horse places.
Competitive Fields: In races with many strong contenders, each way bets can be a safer option to secure a return.
Free Bet Offers & Promotions
To get the most out of your bets at the Grand National, visit our Grand National Free Bets page for a comprehensive list of all available offers and promotions. This page is regularly updated to ensure you have access to the best deals and can maximize your betting experience.
Grand National 2025 FAQs
When is the Grand National?
The 2025 Grand National will take place on Saturday, April 5th, 2025.
Where is the Grand National?
The Grand National is held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England.
How Can I Watch the Grand National on TV?
The Grand National is available on free to air TV in the United Kingdom. Live coverage is provided by ITV who have aired the race since 2017.
You can tune in via Freeview, Virgin Media, or Sky TV, as well as stream the race through the ITV website and the ITV Player app for those wanting to watch the race on the go.
Subscription channel RacingTV will also be providing coverage of the race, as will several bookmakers who will stream the Grand National through their websites.
More than 8 million people are expected to tune in to watch Grand National 2024, and another 600 million from around the world. It's no surprise then that the race's official slogan is "The World is Watching".
Are There Other Races at the Grand National?
Yes, the Grand National Festival spans three days, featuring a total of 21 races, including the main Grand National race.
Oddschecker will be bringing expert tips for each of the races over the three days, and will be providing live betting odds to help you find the best wagers to make.
How Can I Stay Up to Date with Grand National News?
Oddschecker will be bringing you all the latest news and developments from the Grand National Festival and in the lead up to the big race. We will make sure you have everything you need to know when placing bets on the 2025 Grand National.
The Grand National is nearly upon us. Get all of the best free bets, money back specials and sign up offers for the big race right here. For tips, prices, cards, runners, horse racing tips and a betting guide for the big race head to our Grand National page.
Who won the 2024 Grand National?
The 2024 Grand National was won by I Am Maximus at a price of 7/1, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by jockey Paul Townend.
I Am Maximus delivered an impressive performance, showing a fierce turn of foot at the end of the race. Despite early drama when defending champion Corach Rambler unseated his rider at the first fence, I Am Maximus remained composed. Paul Townend rode the horse with supreme confidence, navigating through the field and making a decisive move at the elbow to surge clear of the competition123.
This victory marked Paul Townend's first Grand National win and Willie Mullins' second, following his previous success with Hedgehunter. The win also added another prestigious title to owner JP McManus' collection.
