Grand National Runners & Riders (2025)
Get expert analysis of the Grand National runners and riders as well as key betting insights to help you pick a winner in the big race.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+
BET 20 GET 60 offer is available starting from 07 January 2025. Opt in through the Copybet App or Web to claim your free bets. Copybet App login required to claim your free bets. Complete your first deposit using your Instant bank payment to unlock the offer. The qualifying bet should be a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £20 and have 1.9 or higher odds. Each free bet lasts for 7 days. Offer stands for verified UK clients. No Cash-Out. Max payout – £500. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.
The Grand National is a race that stops the entire nation in its tracks. With a global audience of around 600 million viewers, the popularity of the race reaches for beyond our own shores.
With formidable and famous national hunt fences to be jumped, Becher’s Brook, Foinavon, Canal Turn and Valentine’s Brook all make the hear skip a tiny beat quicker as they are taken one by one.
The final declarations for the race are made 48 hours earlier and it can often reap dividends to study the form of all the runners on an individual basis.
Below we will take a look at some of the Grand National runners and riders, advice on how to pick a winner including key betting insights for the big race.
Grand National Racecard
Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
Last year's winner I Am Maximus heads a strong JP McManus squad with Iroko, Perceval Legallois and Meetingofthewaters other strong candidates in the famous green and gold silks. That said, an 8lb higher mark for t he former, combined with a preparation that hasn't completely gone to plan and his potential quirks, are enough to look elsewhere. Iroko has long been touted as the ideal Aintree type and warrants plenty of respect, despite the trip being a slight concern. Similar comments apply to Perceval Legallois, but the eight-year-old arrives at the top of his game after big handicap successes at Leopardstown. Intense Raffles won the Irish National last season and arrives following a fine effort in the Bobbyjo when just denied by Nick Rockett, but the reopposing fourth, MINELLA COCOONER, makes plenty of appeal. A sound jumper who won the bet365 Gold Cup on a decent surface at Sandown last April, that Fairyhouse effort was his best of the season and it appears he has been brought along steadily to peak on the big day. Stumptown (first) and Vanillier (third) further boost Gavin Cromwell's hopes following their efforts in the Cross Country at Cheltenham, while Hewick, Minella Indo and Hyland are others expected to prove popular.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+
BET 20 GET 60 offer is available starting from 07 January 2025. Opt in through the Copybet App or Web to claim your free bets. Copybet App login required to claim your free bets. Complete your first deposit using your Instant bank payment to unlock the offer. The qualifying bet should be a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £20 and have 1.9 or higher odds. Each free bet lasts for 7 days. Offer stands for verified UK clients. No Cash-Out. Max payout – £500. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.
Key Stats On The Grand National Runners
The two leading trainers in the Grand National over the recent renewals are Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins who have won the Grand National three times with Elliott’s trio coming from Silver Birch (2007) and Tiger Roll (2018 & 2019) whilst Mullins’s being Hedgehunter (2005), I Am Maximus (2024) & Nick Rockett (2025). Another trainer who has recorded multiple wins in the Grand National is Lucinda Russell with two.
There are multiple trainers that have not had the best of times in recent renewals of the Grand National, Nigel Twiston-Davies (0-37), Philip Hobbs (0-20), Nicky Henderson (0-20), Peter Bowen (0-12), Ted Walsh (0-11), Tom George (0-10), Evan Williams (0-10), Kim Bailey (0-10) and Alan King (0-10) have all failed to produce a single winner despite sending multiple runners to the Grand National.
It is supremely important to take all of the above into account as it can often allow you to whittle your selections right down in advance, instead of just plumping for a name. It has also been eleven years since an English trained horse (Many Clouds 2015) last won the race. Ireland have been dominant, followed by Scotland.
Tips for Selecting a Winning Grand National Runner
Many gamblers close their eyes and use a pin-sticker’s guide to choose their bets for the big race. However, you can browse some Grand National trends if you want to shorten your selections to four or five on race day.
Don’t forget, always check a horse’s form over distance, and jumping ability over the fences. However, fallen riders, a pile-up at Becher’s Brook, or just plain bad luck can scupper even the most well-crafted National wager.
Check The Runners & Odds
Start your research early and find some value, especially in the each-way markets. Last year’s winner went off a 33/1 shot and the SP favourite has only won the race a handful of times this century. Hunt around and open several accounts with multiple bookies to find the best value.
Analyse The Form
Grand National runners go in with bad, good or indifferent form. Many a Grand National winner has taken down the race having had a good run-in. Always check the Grand National form before you make your bets.
Consult The Experts
Talk about our horse racing tipsters.
At Punters Lounge, we offer tips and insights from the keenest minds in racing. We update our racing tips every week, so make sure you read our latest Grand National tips to spot some smart picks.
Find Bookmaker Offers
Online bookmakers will be falling over themselves to offer new customers and regular gamblers a deal on the National. Look out for Grand National free bets and promotional bet offers when the big race comes around.
As well as a welcome free bet, you can enjoy enhanced places on each-way wagers (normally up to seven places at the best bookies) and money back if your horse fails to finish.
Grand National runners FAQ
How Many Runners In The Grand National?
A final field of 34 runners will be declared 2 days before the race.
Do Female Horses Run In The Grand National?
Yes of course they run. They just don’t run that often. Only a handful have ever run well in a race as competitive as this.
Has A Mare Won The Grand National?
Nickel Coin was the last mare to win the Grand National in 1951.
Who Are The Favourites In The Grand National?
Who Is Most Likely To Win The Grand National?
What Is The Biggest Outsider To Win The Grand National?
Mon Mome is the most recent 100/1 winner of the race and that happened in 2009. Prior to his success the likes of Foinavon (1967), Caughoo (1947) and Tipperary Tim (1928) all won at 100/1.
Can Any Horse Run In The Grand National?
No, you need to have previous experience of jumping a national hunt fence. You also need to ensure that any horse has a high enough rating to qualify for the race as only a maximum of 34 can run it.
Has The Queen Ever Won The Grand National?
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a fantastic owner breeder of horses and enjoyed many successes on the track. Unfortunately the Grand National was a prize that always eluded her. She was a fantastic ambassador for the sport until her passing.
Who Is The Most Famous Grand National Winner?
That has to be Red Rum of course. Trained by the legendary Ginger McCain he won the race 3 times (1973,1974 and 1977).
Who Was The Youngest Grand National Winner?
Horses as young as 5 have won the Grand National, although you do have to go back in the history books to find them. Lutteur III was the last to do so in 1909 and prior to that Empress won the race as a 5 year old in 1880.
What Is The Prize Money For Winning The Grand National?
Winning connections can expect to receive prize money of £500,000 for winning the most famous horse race in the world.
