Live – Last update at 1:48 PM
Grand National 2025 LIVE!
The highlight of British horse racing is here with the Grand National taking center stage once more today. Aintree In a competitive field featuring 34 participants who will tackle 30 jumps, they'll compete for $1 million in prize money in what looks like an outstanding edition of the race. The defending champion, I Am Maximus, returns seeking consecutive victories to join illustrious predecessors such as Tiger Roll and, even earlier, the legendary horse Red Rum.
Earlier this week, the market seemed inclined towards options like Stumptown or Ikoro. However, as Willie Mullins enjoyed an impressive streak during the initial two days of the Aintree meet, bettors have shifted their focus toward predicting another victory for him—potentially his third National win following Hedgehunter’s success in 2005. Competitors such as Vanillier, runner-up in last year’s race, along with Hewick, also pose significant challenges.
Away from the main event scheduled for 4 pm today, Aintree features six additional races throughout the day. The first of these starts with the Handicap Hurdle at 1:20 pm, followed by the Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race concluding things at 5:35 pm. Stay tuned to catch all the live updates via Standard Sport’s blog right here.
Latest news and updates for the Grand National 2025
- Start time: 4pm BST
- How to watch: ITV
- Runners and riders
- Our Grand National tips
13:55: Mersey Novices’ Hurdle
13:48 , Malik OuziaThe first Grade 1 event for today is coming up next.
The race for the Mersey Novices' Hurdle appears to be very open now following Lulamba's scratch today due to the condition of the track. This development has somewhat dimmed the luster of what was otherwise an exciting contest.
Fergal O'Brien sees Horace's Pearl as the 11/4 favorite, while Miami Magic, Honestly Policy, and the widely discussed Regent's Stroll are also prominent contenders in the betting stakes.
Grand National participants and jockeys
13:44 , Malik Ouzia14. Chantry House (IRE) 11 10 13 Trained by Nicky Henderson
Jockey: James Bowen
The previous victor of both the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals managed to claim victory again at the same venue on New Year’s Day despite being older. However, this recent win seems like an exception compared to his performance in other races lately.
15. Three under three five (IRE) 10 10-12 Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Performs admirably when finishing second behind the specialist Victtorino at Ascot earlier this year on two occasions. However, the trainer believes he might be outclassed and decided against running in this event last year due to distance worries.
16. Perceval Legallois (FR) 8 10-12 Gavin Cromwell IRE
Jockey: Mark Walsh
A strong competitor for the Cromwell squad was let down after being the favorite but failing in both the Galway Plate and Kerry National earlier in the season. However, this athlete has since won two significant Leopardstown handicap races and remains a favored choice.
17. Kandoo Kid (FR) 9 10 11 Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
It appears to be the top contender from the Nicholls team and will be ridden by stable jockey Harry Cobden. This horse has been aiming for this race ever since finishing third in last year’s Topham, and he also secured victory in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury back in November.
How have favourites fared?
13:33 , Malik OuziaIf you're a supporter of I Am Maximus later today, you might want to know about how favorites have performed historically in the National race.
Below are all the key figures presented in GG.co.uk
1:20 PM - The William Hill Handicap Hurdle
13:29 , Malik OuziaThe good news regarding Jonjo O'Neill Jr., who was unhorsed after taking a hard fall from Bill Joyce's mount.
TV footage shows him getting up and strolling away apparently unhurt. This serves as a reminder that he’s competing on Iroko, the top British contender for the National race.
1:20 pm - The William Hill Handicap Hurdle
13:27 , Malik OuziaA last-minute push helps Deep Cave win the first race with Jack Tudor aboard at an impressive 28/1 odds!
Timmy Tuesday narrowly secures second place over Double Powerful.
1:20 pm - The William Hill Handicap Hurdle
13:25 , Malik OuziaBill Joyce is a lumberjack working at the rear and obstructs Catch Him Derry.
And they're off!
13:20 , Malik OuziaGone and off to race in the leading position...
The runners are heading towards the starting line...
13:17 , Malik OuziaAct of Authority has merely become favoring the favorite now. Which team will score first on National Day?
Sun is shining
13:12It seems like another fabulous day over on Merseyside as bettors make their way to Aintree...
Nearly time to hit the tracks...
13:06 , Malik OuziaWe’ll pause our National build-up to turn attentions towards this afternoon’s opener, which is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.
Currently co-favorites at 4/1 odds are Act Of Authority and Catch Him Derry, followed closely by Bill Joyce in the betting market.
Jonjo O'Neill Jr., who is set for an important ride later with Iron in the featured race, is currently aboard the horse in this letter.
Grand National participants and jockeys
12:58 , Malik Ouzia9. Confused (IRE) 11 11-2 Gordon Elliott IRE
Jockey: Jordan Gainford
The Shock Irish won the Gold Cup in 2022 and maintained strong graded form in subsequent years, though he may not be performing at his peak anymore. His last appearance was an eighth-place finish in a Cheltenham handicap race.
10. Stumptown (IRE) 8 11-2 Gavin Cromwell (IRE)
Jockey: Keith Donoghue
After Inothewayurthinkin was withdrawn, he became the trainer's main prospect. He showed remarkable determination in handling the top weight to win the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham and is now following the same path as Tiger Roll with his sights set on Aintree.
11. Hitman (FR) 9 11-1 Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Freddie Gingell
Always the runner-up, has finished second in all three races this season and hasn’t won since November 2022. Uncertain about handling the current distance.
12. Beauport (IRE) 9 11-1 trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
This consistent performer has claimed victory in both the Midlands and Berkshire Nationals during the past thirteen months. Since then, they have been competing over hurdles with the aim of safeguarding their handicap rating.
Grand National participants and jockeys
12:51 , Malik Ouzia5. Hewick (IRE) 10 11-7 John Joseph Hanlan IRE
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
A well-liked ten-year-old horse that gained fame after being bought for £800 and went on to claim victory in the King George race in 2023. His triumph over hurdles at Thurles in March seems to have put him in an excellent position heading forward.
6. Minella Indo (IRE) 12 11-3 trained by Henry de Bromhead IRE
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
The previous Gold Cup-winning champion performed admirably in finishing third last year under Rachael Blackmore, though he is now 12 years old.
7. Appreciate It (IRE) 11 11-2 Willie Mullins IRE
Jockey: Sean O’Keefe
A top performer during his novice hurdle phase, he secured his first victory in two years when taking the lead at Thurles recently. However, he has not won over distances longer than two and a half miles, let alone races of this length.
8. Minella Cocooner (IRE) 9 11-2 Willie Mullins Ireland
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Fourth in what might turn out to be a strong Fairyhouse preview previously. Possesses victorious history over long distances, having won the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown last year.
Grand National participants and jockeys
12:39 , Malik OuziaIt’s time to begin examining the national contenders, a focus that will run through the event concluding at 4 pm...
1. I Am Maximus (FR) 9 11-12 Willie Mullins IRE
Jockey: Paul Townend
The previous year's champion started as a 7/1 co-favorite and sprinted away from the competition to secure an impressive victory of nearly eight lengths. Carrying the highest weight will be essential for him to retain his title this time around.
2. Royale Pagaille (FR) 11 11-9 Venetia Williams
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
The sole remaining horse from this year's Gold Cup, after finishing sixth at Cheltenham. A multiple Grade 1 victor who is most recognized for excelling as a course and ground specialist at Haydock.
3. Nick Rockett (IRE) 8 11-8 trained by Willie Mullins for Ireland
Jockey: Patrick Mullins
Somewhat underwhelming as a beginner over hurdles during the previous season, yet he has really hit his stride this year with impressive wins in the Thyestes and Bobby chases in Ireland.
4. Grange Clare West (IRE) 9 11-8 Willie Mullins IRE
Jockey: Brian Hayes
A skilled person who can be challenging to manage properly. He chased Galopin Des Champs closely during the Irish Gold Cup in February but ended up last among five competitors when he dropped down a level in competition subsequently.
Saturday's race card
12:29 , Malik Ouzia13:20: The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
13:55: Mersey Novices' Hurdle ( Grade 1 )
14:30: Freebooter Handicap Chase (Top Handicap)
15:05: Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)
16:00: Grand National (Premier Handicap)
17:00: Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
17:35: Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 2)
Grand National prize money
12:13 , Malik OuziaThe aggregate prize money for the race stands at £1 million, distributed as outlined below:
- Winner – £500,000
- Second place – £200,000
- Third place – £100,000
- Fourth place – £65,000
- Fifth place – £40,000
- Sixth place – £30,000
- Seventh place – £20,000
- Eighth place – £15,000
- Ninth place – £10,000
- Tenth place – £5000
Grand National tips
12:04 , Malik OuziaOur advisor Johnny Ward is supporting Hewick to secure the prizes in the major game this afternoon.
The situation is looking favorable for the ten-year-old horse. He decided not to run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup – where he likely had a good shot at placing, considering how conducive the course was to his running style – all to maximize his chances of claiming victory in the Grand National.
The strategy for Hewick has been set in place for over a year now, and nobody can complain about how well he’s prepared. At Leopardstown, he showed promise during his races over fences, appearing just as strong as before when distancing himself from capable competitors while switching back to hurdling at Thurles recently. Gavin Sheehan will be taking the reins of this mount, which seems to possess equal or even greater talent compared to all other contenders in the race.
These days, the traditional event resembles an enhanced steeplechase more than it used to be. Regardless of how you view the changes made to the race that halts a country over recent years, Hewick matches the criteria. He possesses the talent, enjoyed a seamless training period as opposed to his competitors, and most importantly, he gets the surface conditions he prefers.
For further details about Johnny’s involvement with Hewick and his choices for the remaining spots on the card, along with information on who will take positions at the National, you can find additional reading here. here .
Where can you view the Grand National?
11:51 , Malik OuziaTV channel: In the UK, the Grand National will be broadcast live and for free on ITV1, starting their coverage of today's races at 12:45 PM BST.
The coverage for the National begins at 3:15 pm, with the race starting at 4 pm.
Live stream: The event can also be viewed live and without cost online through the ITVX application and webpage.
At what time does the race begin?
11:45 , Malik OuziaThe Grand National starts at 4pm today.
Last year, an earlier start time was implemented for the featured race at the event, moving it up by 75 minutes, and this change will continue for the 2025 competition.
Nevertheless, we have ample exciting races ahead of us, with the event starting promptly at 1:20 pm.
Grand National day!
11:30 , Alex YoungIt's a splendid day in Merseyside as one of the most anticipated dates on the British sports calendar rolls around.
It's Grand National day at Aintree!
Get ready for all the anticipation leading up to the main event, along with valuable advice and real-time updates from every exciting fight on this impressive lineup...