February 2025

J.P.McManus’ Top 5 Grand National Runners 2025

admin February 20, 2025

The excitement is building.

Ante-post betting slip is burning a hole in my pocket.

Who doesn’t love the greatest steeplechase in the world? Four miles two and a half furlongs on this modified Grand National course. The ultimate test of horse and jockey. Thank the Lord we have come a long way from the days of horses jumping stone walls.

As seen last year, the new modifications should make the National safer for horse and jockey. The run to the first fence has been shortened blunt the speed at the first fence. And the reduction of horse numbers to 34 is a positive.

On the 11th February 2025, we saw the weights published for 90 Grand National Entrants.

The first withdrawal stage happens on the 25th February, were numbers will be substantially reduced and the betting market will bring more clarity. Much has to do with the intentions of connections and how individual horses are progressing with regard to their health and fitness. Any setbacks in training will see horses withdrawn.

Ante-post bettors will be looking for value.

From past experience, we have seen how horses can win and place at incredibly big odds. Who could forget Mon Mome (2009) winning for Venetia Williams at 100/1. A superb day for jockey Liam Tredwell and owner Vida Bingham.

The absence of one fancied horses in the betting can transform the market.

Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Grand National Runners 2025 for legendary gambler J.P.McManus.

As with most races, this with focus on horses at the top of the betting. However, we will add some insight regarding each runner and throw in a few stats.

It’s interesting to see J. P. McManus has a strong hand. After I Am Maximus success he detailed ambitions of winning consecutive races or more.

Let’s take a quick look at his successes in the Aintree Grand National:

2024 – I Am Maximus

2021 – Minella Times

2010 – Don’t Push It

These victories came via three different trainers: Willie Mullins (2024), Henry de Bromhead (2021) & Jonjo O’Neill (2010). It’s worth noting that all winners were well found in the market priced 7/1, 11/1 & 10/1 respectively.

It’s hardly a surprise from the Richest MAN From Limerick!

Self-made billionaire and professional gambler. The man who took £1M from Fearless Bookmaker Freddie Williams at the Cheltenham Festival in 2006. Sadly departed. It’s interesting to see McManus has I Am Maximus making a return to Aintree for second helpings. Considering Mullins said: ‘It would be a ‘tough’ task under top weight’ you get a feeling this return could be akin to eating a prickly pear.

Top 5 Grand National Runners :

1) I Am Maximus – Willie Mullins:

This nine-year-old son of Authorized ran out a very tidy winner in last year’s race. It was a perfect ride from Paul Townend. The issue could be carrying top weight of 11-12. I keep reading he’s carrying 8lb higher but from my maths it’s 6lb. With two runs under his belt this season, he hasn’t looked great pulling up and a long-beaten eighth at Leopardstown in the Irish Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1). He finished almost exactly the same distance behind Galopin de Champs the year before. There is a lot to like about I Am Maximus but there must be concerns about the weight. In fact, no horse has won with more weight since Red Rum (1974) when he carried 12-00 for Ginger McCain, Brian Fletcher and flamboyant owner Noel Le Mare. That day it was a fast time for such a considerable weight but good ground. If the going is testing it may be an issue for I Am Maximus. Presently, priced at odds of 12/1.

2) Inothewayurthinkin – Gavin Cromwell:

This bay gelding, a son of Walk In The Park, is lightly raced for Navan trainer Gavin Cromwell. Another horse for J.P.McManus who was seen finishing a gallant fourth place in the Irish Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (1st February). That was a fair effort when running on in the latter staged with I Am Maximus some ten lengths further behind. Looking on the betting exchanges, Inothewayurthinkin has been well backed (ante-post) from 30/1. A few thousand was bet at those odds. You have to think the money would be on the best of McManus horses so I’d take that as a pointer. He has valuable experience at the course when winning ‘comfortably’ in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) on soft ground over 3m 1f. That day he beat another protagonist in the shape of Iroko who looks to be heading to the National. Presently, priced at odds of 8/1.

3) Iroko – Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero:

Another of the J.P. McManus juggernauts. This seven-year-old French-bred gelding is lightly raced with four wins to his name. Iroko hasn’t raced beyond 3m 1f. The sire was very lightly raced with just four starts (raced from 2m 2f – 2m 3 1/3f) similar to the light-raced mare who had one win under her belt. Iroko finished behind Inothewayurthinkin in the Mildmay. His last three runs saw him hampered and fall when favourite at Ascot. It was interesting to read about his Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (25th January). A stewards’ Inquiry held into his running and riding where Jonjo O’Neill Jr said: ‘His instructions were to sit midfield and to try and get gelding jumping, having felt he lost his confidence after falling in his previous run at Ascot, adding that he had formed this opinion having schooled gelding at home…’ It doesn’t sound the best preparation for the Aintree Grand National. However, there has been good money for this gelding on the exchanged backed from 50/1. Also, he could be well in the weights at 10-11. Presently, priced at 14/1.

The two other fancied McManus horses are:

4) Meetingofthewaters – Willie Mullins:

He was fancied to go well when 11/1 behind I Am Maximus in the 2024 Aintree Grand National when finishing 7th beaten just under 16-lengths. He is weighted at 10-7. Presently, priced at odds of 25/1.

5) Percevall Legallois – Gavin Cromwell:

This eight-year-old gelding in the ownership of J.P.McManus is well raced and shown fair form winning two Listed races.

I’d suspect the shortest of these J.P.McManus horses is the one to be on.

Horses

Grand National Runners

admin February 19, 2025

Horse racing fans across the world look forward to the Aintree Grand National.

Its history dates back to 1839. The first winner called Lottery. This iconic steeplechase, run over two circuits, a distance of 4m 2 1/2f, with 30 hellish fences to jump, sets itself apart by being coined: ‘The ultimate test of horse and jockey.’

Total prize money £1M.

Who wouldn’t want to be part of the action?

Only the best horses win this race including: Red Rum (1973,1974 & 1977). In fact, his owner, Mr Noel Le Mare had 3 ambitions in life.

To become a millionaire.

Marry a beautiful woman.

And…win the Aintree Grand National.

Upon completion, he said he could die a happy man.

The Aintree Grand National has a long history of ups and downs. Highs and lows.

It used to be called The Grand Liverpool Steeplechase.

In the wars years it was named the Racecourse Association Steeplechase (1916 – 1918). It was held at Gatwick Racecourse, now the site of London Gatwick Airport.

In 1973, Aintree Racecourse, was purchased by property developer Bill Davies. Who would have thought Ladbrokes bookmakers would be part of securing the future of this racecourse. In 1983 it was purchased by The Jockey Club.

Over the years, the course and racing rules have been modified often due to animal welfare issues.

In the early years, the race was characterised by small fields. Horses ran off level weight. However, with limited opposition there was a vast difference between the ability of horses so a handicap system was employed. Many considered this was implemented to stop the better horses winning – rather than give others a chance.

Considering so many people love the Grand National, it is surprising that most don’t understand its finer details. They appreciate it’s a tough race over miles with lots of jumps but beyond that point most are simply interested in placing a bet.

But here’s an interesting question when looking at the Grand National Entries 2025 …

‘Who decides which horses run in the Aintree Grand National?’

For instance, could any horse take its chance irrespective of age or ability?

With a million pounds in prize money, I’d be pointing my little pony in the direction of The Chair!

It’s probably just as well there are rules.

How does a horse become a Grand National Runner?

Rules:

Horses must be aged seven years and older.
They must be officially rated 125 or more by the British Horse-racing Authority (BHA).
Have proven stamina and ability. The main requirement being placed in a recognised chase running at 2m 7 1/2f or more.

How Many?

In 1929, a record was set with 66 runners.

Large fields saw many horse fatalities and jockeys suffer serious injury. It’s hardly surprising when some of the fences were actually walls made of stone.

You may recall Aintree Grand National used to allow 40 horses to compete.

In 2024, that number was lowered to 34.

The Grand National has been modified with regard to animal welfare issues. Fences have been made easier. And more recently the run to the first fence has been shortened as there were fears horses were running too fast to make the jump safely.

And rightly so.

It may be a surprise to learn that up to 90 horses have hopes of running in this year’s Grand National. However, the selection process is set high with the hope that both horses and jockeys will come home safe and sound.

The Grand National is part of the three-day Festival which takes place annually from 6^th – 14^th April.

Connections (owners) have to pay an entry fee which goes towards the total prize money. Race fees vary dependent on when a horse is withdrawn. Those making the big race on the day pay the most.

This process takes time.

For Example, let’s take a look at the following race:

2025 Grand National Runners / Entries / Declarations Process

A chronology of the process:

February 11^th – Weights published for all runners (90)

February 25^th – First round of horses withdrawn

March 18^th – Second round of withdrawals

March 31^st – Five-day declarations (34)

April 3^rd – 48 hour declarations and final field confirmed

The Day of the Race:

*5^th April 4pm Aintree Grand National, Liverpool.

*Dates vary dependent on date of race.

So let’s recap the major requirement of the race:

Max field: 34

The highest 34 horses dependent on their official handicap mark.

They must be seven years or older.

Have an official rating of 125 or more.

Two withdrawal stages.

Final declaration will be made 48 hours before the race time.

Horses may be withdrawn at any time thereafter due to ill health or transport problems.

A vet will examine each horse before race start to deem it is fit and healthy to run.

In addition, jockeys will be assessed with similar protocols by a doctor.

Part of the winning is getting to the start line; which isn’t a given.

The Grand National is very popular and competitive race with substantial prize money.

Only the best horses will be eligible. This is dependent on race rules, ability and fitness of the horse.

The endeavour is a good, fair race where both horse and jockey come home safe and sound.

Horses

Grand National Entries 2025

admin February 19, 2025

Below is a list of Grand National entries for 2025, alongside the weight, age, owner and trainer or all 87 entries. This list will be whittled down over time with the number of horses allowed to run in the Grand National now at 34. 48 hours before the race we’ll know exactly which runners are taking part in theis unmissable Aintree race.

#	Horse Name	Age	Weight	Owner	Trainer
1	I Am Maximus (FR)	9	11-12	Mr John P. McManus	W. P. Mullins
2	Royale Pagaille (FR)	11	11-9	Mrs S. Ricci	Venetia Williams
3	Envoi Allen (FR)	11	11-8	Cheveley Park Stud	Henry de Bromhead
4	Grangeclare West (IRE)	9	11-8	Cheveley Park Stud	W. P. Mullins
5	L’Homme Presse (FR)	10	11-8	Dfa Racing (Pink, Edwards & Sharman)	Venetia Williams
6	Nick Rockett (IRE)	8	11-8	Stewart & Sadie Andrew	W. P. Mullins
7	Hewick (IRE)	10	11-7	Mr T. J. McDonald	Tara Lee Cogan
8	Gentlemansgame (GB)	9	11-5	Robcour	M. F. Morris
9	Inothewayurthinkin (IRE)	7	11-5	Mr John P. McManus	Gavin Cromwell
10	Monty’s Star (IRE)	8	11-5	Mr Barry Maloney	Henry de Bromhead
11	The Real Whacker (IRE)	9	11-4	Neville, Mann, Duffus, Dennis-Price	Patrick Neville
12	Minella Indo (IRE)	12	11-3	Mr Barry Maloney	Henry de Bromhead
13	Appreciate It (IRE)	11	11-2	Miss M. A. Masterson	W. P. Mullins
14	Capodanno (FR)	9	11-2	Mr John P. McManus	W. P. Mullins
15	Conflated (IRE)	11	11-2	Gigginstown House Stud	Gordon Elliott
16	Delta Work (FR)	12	11-2	Gigginstown House Stud	Gordon Elliott
17	Minella Cocooner (IRE)	9	11-2	Mr David Bobbett	W. P. Mullins
18	Stumptown (IRE)	8	11-2	Furze Bush Syndicate	Gavin Cromwell
19	Beauport (IRE)	9	11-1	Bryan & Philippa Burrough	Nigel Twiston-Davies
20	Hitman (FR)	9	11-1	Mason, Hogarth, Ferguson & Done	Paul Nicholls
21	Bravemansgame (FR)	10	11-0	Bryan Drew	Paul Nicholls
22	Chantry House (IRE)	11	10-13	Mr John P. McManus	Nicky Henderson
23	Galvin (IRE)	11	10-13	Mr R. A. Bartlett	Gordon Elliott
24	Perceval Legallois (FR)	8	10-12	Mr John P. McManus	Gavin Cromwell
25	Threeunderthrufive (IRE)	10	10-12	McNeill Family	Paul Nicholls
26	Fakir d’Oudairies (FR)	10	10-11	Mr John P. McManus	Joseph Patrick O’Brien
27	Iroko (FR)	7	10-11	Mr John P. McManus	Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
28	Kandoo Kid (FR)	9	10-11	Mr Michael Geoghegan	Paul Nicholls
29	Trelawne (GB)	9	10-11	The Real Partnership	Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls
30	Idas Boy (IRE)	11	10-10	Dozen Dreamers	Richard Phillips
31	Intense Raffles (FR)	7	10-10	Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede	T. Gibney
32	Limerick Lace (IRE)	8	10-10	Mr John P. McManus	Gavin Cromwell
33	Senior Chief (GB)	8	10-10	Lucky In Life Syndicate	Henry de Bromhead
34	Broadway Boy (IRE)	7	10-9	Mr D. M. Proos	Nigel Twiston-Davies
35	Coko Beach (FR)	10	10-9	Gigginstown House Stud	Gordon Elliott
36	Farouk d’Alene (FR)	10	10-9	Mr Justin Carthy	Gary Brown
37	Fil Dor (FR)	7	10-9	Robcour	Gordon Elliott
38	French Dynamite (FR)	10	10-9	Robcour	M. F. Morris
39	Mr Incredible (IRE)	9	10-9	Mr J. Manclark	Sandy Thomson
40	Stay Away Fay (IRE)	8	10-9	Bell, Lyons, Hill	Paul Nicholls
41	Zanahiyr (IRE)	8	10-9	Bective Stud	Gordon Elliott
42	Pinkerton (IRE)	9	10-8	Mr P. L. Polly	Noel Meade
43	Meetingofthewaters (IRE)	8	10-7	Mr John P. McManus	W. P. Mullins
44	Minella Drama (IRE)	10	10-7	Green Day Racing	Donald McCain
45	Velvet Elvis (IRE)	9	10-7	Mr D. Kierans	Gavin Cromwell

#	Horse Name	Age	Weight	Owner	Trainer
46	Celebre d’Allen (FR)	13	10-6	Mr Allan Stennett	Philip Hobbs & Johnson White
47	Fontaine Collonges (FR)	10	10-6	Mr P. Davies	Venetia Williams
48	Horantzau d’Airy (FR)	8	10-6	Mrs S. Ricci	W. P. Mullins
49	Hyland (FR)	8	10-6	The Ten From Seven	Nicky Henderson
50	Monbeg Genius (IRE)	9	10-6	Martin Tedham & Wasdell Properties Ltd.	Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill
51	Vanillier (FR)	10	10-6	Mrs H. M. Keaveney	Gavin Cromwell
52	Minella Crooner (IRE)	9	10-5	KTDA Racing/Nick Courtney/Cillian Moran	Gordon Elliott
53	Quick Wave (FR)	12	10-5	Ms Sharon Kinsella	Venetia Williams
54	Three Card Brag (IRE)	8	10-5	Patrick & Scott Bryceland, McNeill Family	Gordon Elliott
55	Twig (GB)	10	10-5	Mrs G. Morgan	Ben Pauling
56	Duffle Coat (IRE)	8	10-4	Mr Ray Stokes	Gordon Elliott
57	Roi Mage (FR)	13	10-4	Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont	Patrick Griffin
58	Shakem Up’arry (IRE)	11	10-4	Mr Harry Redknapp	Ben Pauling
59	Fantastic Lady (FR)	10	10-3	Mr E. R. Hanbury	Nicky Henderson
60	Favori de Champdou (FR)	10	10-3	Gigginstown House Stud	Gordon Elliott
61	Yeah Man (IRE)	8	10-3	John J. Brennan/Martin Hannan	Gavin Cromwell
62	Chemical Energy (IRE)	9	10-2	Bective Stud	Gordon Elliott
63	Macdermott (FR)	7	10-2	Gallagher Bloodstock Limited	W. P. Mullins
64	Mister Coffey (FR)	10	10-2	Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford	Nicky Henderson
65	Mr Vango (IRE)	9	10-2	Cracker and Smodge Partnership	Sara Bradstock
66	Bronn (IRE)	8	10-1	Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede	T. Gibney
67	Desertmore House (IRE)	10	10-1	O. B. P. Carroll/Anthony Vaughan	Martin Brassil
68	Malina Girl (IRE)	8	10-1	Mrs J. M. Russell	Gavin Cromwell
69	Richmond Lake (IRE)	9	10-1	Hemmings Racing	Donald McCain
70	La Renommee (FR)	7	10-0	Upton House Stud	Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole
71	King Turgeon (FR)	7	9-13	Somerset Racing	David Pipe
72	Stuzzikini (IRE)	7	9-13	VCS Versatile Coating Specialist/F Foran	Gordon Elliott
73	Cruz Control (FR)	8	9-12	Mr F Green and Mr J Chinn	Tom Lacey
74	Surrey Quest (IRE)	8	9-12	Surrey Racing (SQ)	Toby Lawes
75	Apple Away (IRE)	8	9-11	Old Gold Racing 14	Lucinda Russell
76	Busselton (FR)	8	9-11	Friendship Partnership	Joseph Patrick O’Brien
77	Gevrey (FR)	9	9-11	Denis Gallagher Racing	Gordon Elliott
78	Spanish Harlem (FR)	7	9-11	Dr S. P. Fitzgerald	W. P. Mullins
79	The Goffer (IRE)	8	9-10	Mr Allan Snow	Gordon Elliott
80	Famous Bridge (IRE)	9	9-9	Hemmings Racing	Nicky Richards
81	Copperhead (GB)	11	9-7	Mrs G. C. Pritchard	Joe Tizzard
82	Escaria Ten (FR)	11	9-7	J B Property Investments (Midlands) Ltd	Martin Keighley
83	Where It All Began (IRE)	9	9-7	McNeill Family/Patrick & Scott Bryceland	Gordon Elliott
84	Git Maker (FR)	9	9-6	Sheep As A Lamb Syndicate	Jamie Snowden
85	Gericault Roque (FR)	9	9-4	Prof. Caroline Tisdall and Bryan Drew	David Pipe
86	Pats Fancy (IRE)	10	9-3	Hydes, McDermott, Spencer, Frobisher & Lee	Rebecca Curtis
87	Placenet (FR)	8	9-3	Prof C Tisdall & G Thompson	D. Cottin

Years

Grand National Winners 1900 – 1910

admin February 18, 2025

The Aintree Grand National has always been popular.

In 1900, tens of thousands of racegoers headed to Aintree Racecourse. It was a major social and sporting event. A time that predated radio. TV was just a glint in John Logie Baird’s eye. Imagine your great grandfather sitting in his rocking chair reading the Daily Express, smoking a John Player Navy Cut, while looking through the racecard muttering to your Dad: ‘What’s going to win the Grand National?’

Unless you were Sir Thomas Lipton, a wealthy credit bettor and tea magnate, placing bets by telephone to the likes of bookmaker Charles Morton, who catered for elite clientele including aristocrats and high-stakes gamblers, it was illegal to gamble, although backstreet bookies were aplenty.

The Aintree betting ring was awash with 100 bookmakers. Punters made their selection and put their money down.

Remember this was pre-decimal.

A pound was a lot of money in those days. Bookmakers had chalk boards and the Tic Tac Man had washed his gloves the night before in Naptha soap flakes.

I still don’t understand the old money: £1 = 20 Shillings (240 pennies in a pound?)

1900 Grand National –

Ambush II won the National at odds of 4/1. In fact, it was a very royal occasion for the six-year-old gelding owned by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) who was crowned King of the United Kingdom and British Dominions and Emperor of India in 1902. He succeeded his mother Queen Victoria.

The race took place on the 30^th March 1900.

Ambush II was both ridden and trained by Irishman Algy Anthony.

To be fair, we know little about the race beyond Ambush II won by four lengths, and the ground was described as ‘good’. Eleven of the sixteen horses completed the course.

King Edward VII died in 1910.

It’s always interested me that Edward VII had a connection with Great Yarmouth. I’m sure it would please him to know that Shadingfield Lodge has since been turned into the Grosvenor Casino. A place we often frequent with friends and family.

As my cousin Danny said: ‘We’ve all sat on the same throne!’

Let’s take a look at the Grand National winners from 1900 – 1910.

1900 – Ambush II (Algy Anthony)

1901 – Grudon (Bernard Bletsoe)

1902 – Shannon Lass (James Hackett)

1903 – Drumcree (Sir Charles Nugent)

1904 – Moifaa (W. Hickey)

1905 – Kirkland (E. Thomas)

1906 – Ascetic’s Silver (Aubrey Hastings)

1907 – Eremon (Tom Coulthwaite)

1908 – Rubio (Fred Withington)

1909 – Lutteur II (Harry Escott)

1910 – Jenkinstown (Tom Coulthwaite)

For the most part, this decade of National winners saw a mixed bag of results. There were winners priced from 4/1 (Ambush II) to 66/1 shot (Rubio).

1904 – Moifaa

Interesting that this eight-year-old gelding was the first ever non-British/Irish winner, being bred in New Zealand. The 25/1 shot won by eight lengths on good-to-soft going. Ridden by Arthur Birch, trained by W. Hickey for owner Spencer Gollan who was a high-class sportsman himself in rowing and golf.

After King Edward VII’s win with Ambush II (1900) he purchased Moifaa, however, he fell at the twenty-first fence when a 4/1 shot in the 1905 Grand National.

1905 – Kirkland

Winning the 67^th Grand National, he was the first Welsh horse to win this steeplechase. Trained by E. Thomas, ridden by Frank Mason who was champion jump jockey from 1901 – 1907. Owner, Frank Bibby, would see further success when Glenside won the big race in 1911.

1908 – Rubio

The 70^th Grand National. If you were looking for a big-priced winner then this 66/1 shot would have made your year. This American-bred gelding, in the ownership of Major Frank Douglas-Pennent, ran out a 10-length winner.

Tom Coulthwaite won the Grand National twice in this decade: Eremon (1907) and Jenkinstown (1910) both for owner Stanley Howard.

Interestingly, Jenkinstown was the first National to have moving images.

The Pathe Brothers (Pathe Freres) expanded into film at the turn of the century (1900) making some of the earliest motion picture recordings. Film footage of horse racing would be captured by Pathe News, famous for their newsreel division.

In 1911, the first recording of the Grand National was taken by Pathe. The footage provided audiences a glimpse of the National which saw Glenside win, ridden by Jack Anthony. This would be shown in cinemas as the introduction of TV would be seen much later.

If racegoers didn’t enjoy a day at the Grand National, they would have to rely on newspapers to fill in the gaps.

Compared to this digital age, it was a very different time.

It’s worth remembering that in the 19^th century carrier pigeons were used to quickly send race results from racecourses to newspapers and betting offices.

Years

Grand National Winners of the past Ten Years ( 2015 – 2025 )

admin February 17, 2025

The Aintree Grand National dates back to the early 19^th Century. There have been iconic winners since 1839. The shortest priced favourites to the biggest priced outsiders. Horses many thought could never win, others who simply couldn’t lose!

Without doubt, it’s a race where stories are made…

Unless you are the grand old age of 100, few readers are likely to ask:

‘Do you remember Master Roberts winning in 1924? There was a false start and the race was delayed for 8 minutes but it didn’t stop Bob Trudgill winning at 25/1. I had 5-shilling each-way. After racing, I went to the Adelphi Hotel with 1,500 other guests and that crazy jockey re-enacted his victory by leaping a Becher’s Brook made out of 20 Magnums of Champagne.’

To be fair, I wish I had been there because it sounds one hell of a day and night.

Trainer, Aubrey Hastings and owner Lord Airlie were never the same.

I guess that’s what happens when you pocket £5,000 in prize money!

Obviously, this was a long time before the first TV footage (1960), but incredibly in 1924, forty-five cameramen recorded footage for Pathe News which captured the event for cinema audiences.

For most horse racing fans, this modern era of the Aintree Grand National dates back to 2015. I’m sure readers are looking forward to the 2025 National.

Let’s take a look at the last 10-years.

Here is a list of winners:

2024 – I Am Maximus (Willie Mullins)

2023 – Corach Rambler (Lucinda Russell)

2022 – Noble Yeats (Emmet Mullins)

2021 – Minella Times (Henry de Bromhead)

2020 – Cancelled

2019 – Tiger Roll (Gordon Elliott)

2018 – Tiger Roll (Gordon Elliott)

2017 – One For Arthur (Lucinda Russell)

2016 – Rule The World (Mouse Morris)

2015 – Many Clouds (Oliver Sherwood)

The main highlights include the disaster that was Covid 19 which saw life turned upside down and the 2020 Aintree Grand National being cancelled. I remember we were days away from the race taking place. It was a race to the line: Could Tiger Roll win 3 Nationals on the trot or would the deadly virus knock everything on the head?

We all know the answer.

It was unfortunate that Tiger Roll didn’t have his chance to go one better than the incredible Red Rum who won (1973, 1974 & 1977) for Ginger McCain and flamboyant owner Noel Le Mare. The man who had 3 ambitions in life.

Tiger Roll’s story would be cut short and sadly he wasn’t the same horse, He didn’t make the line-up for the 2021 Grand National.

2015 saw owner Trevor Hemmings win the National for the third time. Many Clouds, trained by Oliver Sherwood and jockey Leighton Aspell, who had won the year before. Hemmings had tasted victory with Ballabriggs (2011) and Hedghunter (2005). Hemmings, a very popular man and self-made billionaire, from very humble beginnings, sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 86.

Lucinda Russell has won the National twice in the last ten years: One For Arthur (2014) and Corach Rambler (2023). They gave jockey Derek Fox special days to remember.

In fact, in the last 15 running (2009 – 2024) there has been three women train Aintree Grand National winners:

2009 – Mon Mome (100/1) Ventia Williams

2013 – Auroras Encore (66/1) Sue Smith

2017 – One For Arthur (14/1) Lucinda Russell

2023 – Corach Rambler (8/1f) Lucinda Russell

A truly historic moment: Minella Times (2021).

The first woman to win the Grand National, Rachael Blackmore. There is little doubt this victory said a lot about horse racing which bult on the shoulders of giants, such as of Charlotte Brew (1977) and Barony Fort. Without the efforts of many women and the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act which made discrimination on the grounds of sex illegal. Blackmore went on to win the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup: A Plus Tard won at 3/1f.

It is worth noting the success of Noble Yeats (2022) which saw Sam Waley-Cohen become the first amateur winner since Marcus Armitage and Mr Frisk (1990). Noble Yeats was the first seven-year-old to win since Bogskar in 1940.

In 2024, Willie Mullins found a winner in I Am Maximus, after a torrid time which saw him send out 63 runners since 2000. The eight-year-old gelding won well for Paul Townend and owner J.P. McManus.

But who will win the 2025 Aintree Grand National?

It takes place on the 5^th April at 4pm.

At this time, 90 horses are entered for the Aintree Grand National. However, this will be narrowed down to a field of 34. At present, the final horse to make the start is Senior Chief alloted 10st 10lb. He is 33^rd on the list.

This race over 4m 2 1/2f, with 30 fences and total prize money of £1M (£500,000 to the winner) sets a stiff challenge.

Leading fancies include:

*I Know The Way Ur Thinking (Gavin Cromwell) 8/1

*I Am Maximus (Willie Mullins) 12/1

*Iroko (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriro) 14/1

Intense Raffles (Thomas Gibney) 16/1

Minella Cocooner (Willie Mullins) 20/1

Nick Rockett (Willie Mullins) 20/1

*Meeting Of Waters (Willie Mullins) 25/1

*Perceval Legallois (Gavin Cromwell) 25/1

It’s noticeable that *J.P. McManus has a strong hand with 5 horses high in the betting. I Am Maximus has been raised 6lb for last year’s win. Mullins is throwing a hedgehog at the dartboard with 7 horses in the betting priced at 66/1 and less.

Mullins said: ‘It will be ‘tough’ for I Am Maximus to win off top weight.