The Grand National remains the world’s most famous steeplechase, and it is a race many horse racing fans on the Isle of Wight will make the trip across to Liverpool for in April. This year’s contest could be one of the best in recent years, as it has attracted a strong field.
The entries include the winners of the latest renewal of the Grand National, Irish Grand National and Scottish Grand National. It may also feature horses that will run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup a month earlier.
I Am Maximus to Defend His Crown
With an official rating of 167, last year’s Grand National winner, I Am Maximus, is the highest-rated runner in this year’s field. He is 12/1 in the horse racing odds to retain his crown. The defending champion will need to carry 11st 12lb on his back this year, 6lb more than he did in 2024.
Although he has the experience of succeeding at Aintree, I Am Maximus does not top the Grand National odds this year. That position is held by Inourwayofthinkin, a horse with the same silks as the 2024 winner, as both horses are owned by JP McManus. The Irishman is bidding for a record fourth Grand National win this season.
I AM MAXIMUS flies home like a SERIOUS horse to win the Randox Grand National!
The horse they call Moo Moo at home ❤️🤣 pic.twitter.com/6ELFDbZOMH
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 13, 2024
I Am Maximus relished the bigger fences around the Grand National Course last April. He has yet to score in two appearances since then, but both of those runs came at Grade One level.
Royale Pagaille An Established Grade One Winner
It has been another excellent season for British chaser Royale Pagaille. He won the second Grade One contest of his career back in November in the Lancashire Chase at Haydock. Venetia Williams’ runner defeated Grey Dawning in a close tussle at the end of that 3m contest.
The 11-year-old has been linked with the Grand National for several years now, but it seems his connections are now prepared to have a shot at the race with their horse. With 25 appearances over fences, he will be one of the most experienced runners in the race.
Williams won the big race at Aintree in 2009 with Mon Mome. She is one of four female trainers who has prevailed in the race. Her latest chaser will give her a great chance of joining another small club, as one of a handful of trainers to be triumphant more than once.
Nick Rockett Heads to Aintree on Back of Trial Success
The Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in Ireland is one of the leading trials for the Grand National. This year’s renewal was won by Nick Rockett, who beat last year’s Irish Grand National winner, Intense Raffles in the race.
Paul Townend and Nick Rockett (9/2 jf) held off the challenge of Velvet Elvis to win the Thyestes Chase for Willie Mullins at Gowran Park pic.twitter.com/8C8oijP4dR
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) January 23, 2025
Nick Rockett will be vying to complete a hat-trick in the Grand National. He was also successful in the Grade Three Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park. With those two victories, no horse will line up at Aintree with better form than Mullins’ chaser.
The 2025 Grand National takes place on Saturday, the 5th of April, and tickets remain available for what is one of the highlights of the year on the sporting calendar.
