Predictions for the 2025 Grand National - history in the making?

The Grand National stands as perhaps the most celebrated steeplechase in global horse racing—a breathtaking spectacle that has captivated audiences since its inaugural running in 1839.

The race is contested over four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs at Liverpool's iconic Aintree Racecourse and is a formidable challenge. With 30 imposing fences, including the legendary Becher's Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn - these obstacles make the race as unpredictable as possible and this is reflected in the Grand National betting offers as office sweepstakes begin and punters alike try and pick their winners

As the 2025 renewal approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a historic occasion in the annals of National Hunt racing. Defending champion I Am Maximus carries the weight of expectation as he attempts to join an elite pantheon of back-to-back winners—a feat accomplished by only a select few, most recently by the diminutive but mighty Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019. Before him, the magnificent Red Rum achieved this distinction in 1973 and 1974, before adding an unprecedented third victory in 1977.

The Grand National’s reach extends far beyond the racing community. Families gather around the television cheering on their NAP, Grandads are walking to the local bookmakers to put on the bets on behalf of the rest of the family that usually couldn't even tell you what the ‘going’ means and workplaces are hosting sweepstakes for their chance of a small glory. It’s a real traditional event in the UK sporting scene and is cherished by many.

As we look ahead to the 2025 running, several exceptional contenders emerge from the forty declared runners. Each brings unique credentials to this most demanding of tests, where stamina, jumping ability, tactical acumen, and sheer determination will ultimately determine who claims racing immortality at Aintree.

So, Who Are You Picking?

1. STUMPTOWN (8/1)

Gavin Cromwell's progressive eight-year-old arrives at Aintree with impeccable credentials and represents our primary selection for Grand National glory. His current form figures read an impressive -U1111, indicating a horse approaching the pinnacle of his powers at precisely the right moment, meaning destiny could be denied for Willie Mullins.

Stumptown's Crystal Cup triumph at Cheltenham in December offered compelling evidence of his staying prowess and ability to negotiate challenging obstacles—attributes that will prove invaluable over Aintree's unique terrain. That performance was particularly noteworthy for the manner in which he dispatched several potential Grand National rivals, suggesting he possesses the necessary class differential to prevail in this most demanding of contests.

His jumping technique—economical and precise—should serve him admirably over the National fences, while his proven stamina reserves indicate the marathon trip will pose no concerns. Cromwell, a shrewd and accomplished handler, has carefully crafted a campaign designed to reach a crescendo at Aintree, and the progressive nature of Stumptown's recent victories suggests he remains open to further improvement.

At his current price of 8/1, he represents solid value in a race where proven form and stamina credentials often prove decisive.

2. I AM MAXIMUS (9/1)

The defending champion returns to Aintree seeking to etch his name alongside the immortals of Grand National history. Mullins' nine-year-old demonstrated remarkable courage and stamina reserves when prevailing twelve months ago, and only the foolhardy would dismiss his chances of an historic repeat.

While his seasonal form has been somewhat inconsistent (311-P8), it's worth remembering that Mullins is a master at preparing horses for specific targets. His training regime for I Am Maximus will undoubtedly have been designed with Aintree as the paramount objective, with intervening contests serving merely as stepping stones toward the ultimate prize.

The likely reunion with elite jockey Paul Townend—who guided him to victory last year—adds another compelling dimension to his chances. Townend's intimate knowledge of the horse, combined with his experience, could prove instrumental in navigating the multifarious challenges of the National course.

Perhaps most significantly, I Am Maximus now possesses that invaluable commodity that separates contenders from pretenders in the Grand National—proven form over the unique Aintree obstacles. That experiential advantage cannot be overstated in a race where familiarity with the idiosyncratic demands of the course often proves decisive.

3. PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (14/1)

In third, Gavin Cromwell's second string brings excellent recent credentials to the table, with consecutive victories at Leopardstown over extended distances suggesting a horse with the requisite stamina for this most demanding examination.

At eight years old, Perceval Legallois falls within the ideal age demographic for Grand National success—mature enough to possess the necessary experience while retaining sufficient youthful vigour to withstand the race's gruelling demands. His current form figures (286411) indicate a progressive profile, with his upward trajectory perfectly aligned with the Aintree challenge.

Both recent victories came at distances exceeding three miles, providing compelling evidence of his staying prowess. His fluid jumping technique should prove well-suited to the National fences, while his tactical versatility affords his connections multiple strategic options.

At his current price of 14/1, Perceval Legallois represents attractive each-way value in a race where proven stamina often proves the decisive factor in determining which horses complete the course with their challenge intact.

4. IROKO (8/1)

Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have demonstrated commendable skill in rehabilitating this talented seven-year-old following his unfortunate fall at Ascot in December. His subsequent performance at the same venue, where he acquitted himself admirably in elite company, indicates a horse regaining confidence at an opportune moment.

While Iroko's overall record suggests a certain inconsistency (2-2F42), the marathon trip of the Grand National could prove the catalyst for his definitive performance. Horses that settle into a comfortable rhythm often excel in this unique examination, and Iroko's tendency to travel fluently through his races augurs well for his Aintree prospects.

His proven ability to handle testing ground represents another significant advantage, particularly given the capricious nature of spring weather in Liverpool. Versatility regarding underfoot conditions often proves a valuable asset in the Grand National, where adaptability frequently distinguishes those who flourish from those who falter.

At seven years old, Iroko would be among the younger winners of the Grand National in recent times, but his maturity belies his chronological age. His physical development and racing experience suggest a horse perfectly equipped for the demands of steeplechasing's ultimate challenge.

5. MONBEG GENIUS (33/1)

An outside shot, but Jonjo O'Neill's nine-year-old represents compelling each-way value at his current odds of 33/1. His victory at Uttoxeter last time out demonstrated both courage and stamina—attributes that will prove indispensable over Aintree's demanding course.

O'Neill's extensive experience in preparing Grand National horses—having won the race as a trainer with Don't Push It in 2010—adds significant credibility to Monbeg Genius's credentials. Few handlers possess a more intuitive understanding of the specific requirements for success in this most specialized of contests.

The horse's seasonal form (5P-241) indicates a progressive profile, with his performances improving incrementally as the campaign has unfolded. That upward trajectory suggests he could be approaching his optimal condition at precisely the right moment.

His jumping technique—bold yet measured—should serve him admirably over the National fences, while his proven stamina reserves indicate the extended trip will pose no insuperable obstacle. At his generous price, Monbeg Genius represents perhaps the most attractive each-way proposition in the entire field.

As with any Grand National, racing fortune will inevitably play its capricious part in determining the ultimate outcome. Yet in STUMPTOWN, we identify a horse with the perfect constellation of attributes required for success in steeplechasing's greatest challenge—proven stamina, sound jumping, progressive form, and expert connections. Should he navigate Aintree's formidable obstacles with his challenge intact, the path to immortality beckons on the hallowed Liverpool turf.