Years

Grand National 2025 Preview – Contenders

admin March 10, 2025

The 2025 Grand National is scheduled for 16:00 on April 5, but entries for the world-famous steeplechase closed on January 28 and the weights were published on February 11, allowing the ante-post market to take shape. At the time of writing, after the first scratching deadline on February 25, 81 horses stood their ground in the National which, nowadays, has a safety limit of 34. A further scratching deadline follows on February 25, with five-day declarations on March 31 and 48-hour declarations on April 3, before the final field is revealed. At that stage, all bar the top 34 in the weights will be ballotted out, leaving the remainder to compete for £1 million in prize money, half of which goes to winning connections.

At the time of writing, the weights are headed by the 2024 winner, I Am Maximus (14/1), trained by Willie Mullins, who has since been plying his trade, without much distinction in Grade 1 company. The Authorized gelding was pulled up, when tailed off, behind stable companion Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas on his seasonal debut, but fared a little better when a keeping on eighth, beaten 17 lengths, behind the same horse in the Irish Gold Cup, over the same course and distance, in early February. That latter piece of form leaves him nearly 10 lengths to find with ante-post favourite Inothewayurthinkin (8/1), who is also owned J.P. McManus, with whom he is 7lb worse off at Aintree. I Am Maximus is 8lb higher in the weights this year than last, but back at Aintree could well leave his previous form this season well behind.

Of course,  with a focus on Grand National Runners , I Am Maximus potentially faces a whole raft of formidable rivals, some of who are also trained by Willie Mullins and/or owned by J.P. McManus. Nick Rockett (14/1), for example, is a stable companion at Muine Bheag, Co. Carlow and boasts solid credentials, not least because he has won the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse since the National weights were published. On that occasion, he edged out Intense Raffles (10/1), who could re-oppose on 15lb better terms, for just three-quarters of a length, at Aintree and appears remarkably well handicapped on that evidence. Nevertheless, Nick Rockett remains a progressive, stoutly-bred eight-year-old, who ran creditably on his only previous visit to Britain, in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown last spring, and is definitely one to consider.

Strictly speaking, Nick Rockett also has his work cut out to reverse earlier form with Perceval Legallois (20/1), who beat him by just over nine lengths in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and is 11lb better off in the National. Owned by McManus and trained by Gavin Cromwell in Navan, Co. Meath, Perceval Legallois is a stable companion of Inothewayurthinkin, but is clearly no slouch, having taking advantage of a lower hurdles mark to win a valuable race in that sphere at Leopardstown on his most recent outing in early February. He has yet to win beyond an extended three miles, but acts on any going and still looks reasonably handicapped on what he has achieved so far.

Gavin Cromwell could also saddle Stumptown (20/1), who is an intresting contender insofar as he is, at the time of writing, 3-4 in cross country chases and ante-post favourite for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He is lumbered with top weight of 11st 10lb at Prestbury Park but, as the weights stand, set to carry 8lb less at Aintree. He could seek to emulate Tiger Roll, who won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (albeit when it was still a conditions race, rather than a handicap) en route to Grand National glory in both 2018 and 2019.

Iroko (14/1), trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero in Oldcastle Heath, Cheshire, but yet another owned by that man McManus, is currently the shortest-priced of the home contigent. The winner of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, he has not won since November that year and is currently just 1-7 over fences, for all that he has been highly tried more than once in his steeplechasing career. Indeed, he is well handicapped with Inothewayurthinkin on their running in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree last April. A first fence fall, albeit after being hampered by a rival, in a graduation chase at Ascot tempers enthusiasm for his chances of completing the National Course without mishap, but his subsequent, tenderly-handled fourth at Newbury (which was subject to a stewards’ enquiry) suggests there is some mileage in his current handicap mark if he does.

Now 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls knows what it takes to win the Grand National, having done so, narrowly, with Neptune Collonges in 2012. The Master of Manor Farm has a handful of entries in 2025, the pick of which, according to the bookmakers, could be Kandoo Kid (25/1). The nine-year-old son of useful jumps sire Kapgarde already has experience of the National fences, having finished a close third in the Topham Chase last April. He also won the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury – the form of which has been franked, more than once – on his seasonal reappearance in November. Making excuses for beaten horses can be an expensive business, but the combination of a 7lb rise in the weights, a 91-break and the drop back to two and a half miles may have contributed to his subsequent defeat in the Greatwood Gold Cup. Kandoo Kid remains of interest, despite obvious stamina doubts.

Grand National Winners 1910 – 1919

admin March 1, 2025

If there was one defining aspect of this decade, it was World War I. Life changed for many, and the four years, three months, and fourteen days of conflict couldn’t end soon enough. Tragically, an estimated 16 to 20 million people and animals lost their lives.

Many ex-racehorses were among the casualties, particularly in the cavalry. For example, offspring of Cloister, the 1893 Grand National winner, were used in military service.

The Suffragette movement also played a significant role during this time, led by Emmeline Pankhurst and her Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), which gained momentum in 1912. Many will be familiar with the tragic footage of Emily Wilding Davison (1872–1913), who died after being struck by King George V’s horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby. While the Suffragettes disrupted several races at Aintree, none were as dramatic as Davison’s protest.

It wasn’t until 1918 that some women were granted the right to vote.

This was a time of great social unrest, and the country breathed a sigh of relief when the Treaty of Versailles (1919) officially marked the end of the war.

For the most part, the Aintree Grand National helped maintain national morale and resilience.

However, from 1916 to 1918, the world’s most famous steeplechase was canceled at Aintree as the nation prioritized fighting for King and country. Instead, the Grand National was held for three years at Gatwick Racecourse, now the site of London Gatwick Airport. The race was run over the same distance but with one fewer jump (29) and was officially called *The Racecourse Association Steeplechase. The course closed in 1940 with the onset of World War II.

Grand National Winners (1910–1919):

• 1910 – Jenkinstown (Tom Coulthwaite)

• 1911 – Glenside (R. H. Collins)

• 1912 – Jerry M (Robert Gore)

• 1913 – Covertcoat (Robert Gore)

• 1914 – Sunloch (Tom Tyler)

• 1915 – Ally Sloper (Aubrey Hastings)

• 1916 – Vermouth (J. Bell) *

• 1917 – Ballymacad (Aubrey Hastings) *

• 1918 – Poethlyn (Harry Escott) *

• 1919 – Poethlyn (Harry Escott)

(* Races held at Gatwick Racecourse.)

Notable Moments from the Decade:

1910 – Jenkinstown (100/8)

Tom Coulthwaite’s winner, owned by Stanley Howard, was one of the earliest Grand Nationals captured on moving film, thanks to British Pathé, founded in Paris by Charles Pathé in 1896.

1911 – Glenside (20/1)

A remarkable winner, Glenside was a horse with respiratory problems (broken-winded) and only one eye. Torrential rain meant that only four of the twenty-six runners finished, with Glenside winning by twenty lengths.

1912–1913 – Jerry M (4/1) & Covertcoat (100/9)

These two years were dominated by Robert Gore & Sir Charles Assheton-Smith.

• In 1912, Ernie Piggott (grandfather of Lester Piggott) rode Jerry M, carrying 12st 7lb, to victory. The horse had finished runner-up to Jenkinstown (1910) but this time secured a six-length win as the 4/1 favorite.

• In 1913, Percy Woodland guided Covertcoat to victory, winning by a distance, with only three finishers in the race.

Interesting Aside:

Sir Charles Assheton-Smith, who won the 1912 and 1913 Grand Nationals, had also owned the 1893 Aintree Grand National winner—but under the name Charles Duff.

1914 – Sunloch (100/6)

The 76th Grand National was won by Sunloch, owned and trained by Tom Tyler, at odds of 100/6.

1915 – Ally Sloper (100/8)

A historic moment as Lady Margaret Nelson became the first female owner to win the race.

1916–1918: The Racecourse Association Steeplechase (Known as the War Steeplechase)

During World War I, Aintree was closed, as it was taken over by the War Office (1914–1918). The Grand National was instead held at Gatwick Racecourse, which later closed in 1940, becoming London Gatwick Airport.

Winners of the War Steeplechase:

• 1916 – Vermouth (J. Bell) 100/8

• 1917 – Ballymacad (Aubrey Hastings) 100/9

• 1918 – Poethlyn (Harry Escott) 5/1

1918–1919: Poethlyn Does the Double

To conclude the decade, the nine-year-old gelding Poethlyn secured back-to-back victories at Gatwick (1918) and Aintree (1919).

• Ridden by: Ernie Piggott

• Trained by: Harry Escott

• Owned by: Gwlady Peel

Poethlyn was a highly fancied contender, winning at odds of 5/1 and 11/4, respectively. In his 1919 Aintree win, Poethlyn carried an additional 1st 1lb compared to the previous year, yet still emerged victorious.

He remains the shortest-priced winner in Grand National history.

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.

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.

20 Years of the Aintree Grand National Winners (2005 – 2025)

admin January 19, 2025

If you are reading this article, the 2025 Aintree Grand National may be on the horizon. Perhaps you are interested in placing a bet on the most famous steeplechase of them all. I remember watching my first National bet back in 1981.

Aldaniti and Bob Champion won at odds of 11/1.

The Grand National is probably one of the most famous races, not so much about the performance beyond winning, but the personal story of horse and jockey, who, to put it lightly, had been through the mill. Make no mistake, it take brains and brawn to win this hard race. Not forgetting a good amount of luck, or, at least, no bad luck.

I’m not surprised why most National Hunt jockeys have no teeth!

When you consider the National goes back to 1839, there are many stories, most you never know existed. Stories from the glorious to the downright heartbreaking if not horrendous.

If there is one good thing about this modern era of information and scrutiny, we know most of the fact and understand the stories.

The Aintree Grand National is a race of stories and of course the stories of winners. Here’s a list of Grand National Winners from the last 20 years:

• 2024 – I Am Maximus
• 2023 – Corach Rambler
• 2022 – Noble Yeats
• 2021 – Minella Times
• 2019 – Tiger Roll
• 2018 – Tiger Roll
• 2017 – One For Arthur
• 2016 – Rule The World
• 2015 – Many Clouds
• 2014 – Pineau De Re
• 2013 – Auroras Encore
• 2012 – Neptune Collonges
• 2011 – Ballabriggs
• 2010 – Don’t Push It
• 2009 – Mon Mome
• 2008 – Comply or Die
• 2007 – Silver Birch
• 2006 – Numbersixvalverde
• 2005 – Hedgehunter
• 2004 – Amberleigh House

The winner of the 2025 Grand National is yet to be decided, with current contenders including I am Maximus again, Inothewayurthinkin and Iroko (JP McManus owned).

Let’s take a look at the 20-year period and detail the story of 3 horses from 2002 – 2024. We will tell the story of winners, losers and sadly one horse who lost its life. It is important we don’t neglect to tell the truth even when difficult to read.

2009 – Mon Mome 100/1

It wouldn’t be fitting not to detail a big priced winner. Surely, that is the hope for many punters. Ridden by Liam Treadwell, trained by Venetia Williams, in the ownership of Vida Bingham. The nine-year-old carried a weight of 11:00. To be fair, it was an easy 12-length victory.

2021- Minella Times 11/1

The story here is very much about horse and jockey, if not the latter. Rachael Blackmore is the first woman jockey to win the Aintree Grand National. A historic moment for many reasons. The eight-year-old gelding trained by Henry de Bromhead in the ownership of J.P.McManus.

It took 173 runnings for a woman to ride the National winner.

Some 38 years after Jenny pitman became the first female trainer with Corbiere in 1983.

In truth, this victory reminds me of a quote from Sir Isaac Newton: ‘If I have ever seen further, it is by standing on the shoulder of giants’.

This victory was built on the blood, sweat and tears of her peers.

The fact was female jockeys were discriminated from riding in the National with the mentality it was no race for a woman. It would take the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act to promote equality. In fact, it took until 1977 for the first female rider Charlotte Brew and her mount Barony Fort to get people talking. It should be noted, and it is important to understand, she owned the horse, basically, because no trainer would give her the same opportunity. The pair nearly finished the race. Barony Fort refused the 27^th fence.

In 1982, Geraldine Rees, riding Cheers, was the first woman to complete the course, finishing 8^th place. He was trained by Martin Blackshaw in the ownership of John Wade. At the time of writing, 2024, there have been just 20 female jockeys to participated in this race. In a world of ‘equality’ progress has been slow.

2023 – Hill Sixteen

Sadly, horse racing, especially the National Hunt, has to broach the difficult question of animal welfare and the loss of horses. To be fair, it is one reason I haven’t bet on the Grand National for many years. Thankfully, the National is a much safer course than back in the day when one of the fences was actually a wall! I respect the debate and it is something we should all consider even if the answers are difficult to find.

Since 2000, there have been 16 horses fatally injured while participating in the Aintree Grand National.

I write those words with sadness.

On the 15^th April 2023, Hill Sixteen lost his life when fatally injured falling at the first fence. The 10yo bay gelding was ridden by Ryan Mania, trained by Sandy Thomson, in the ownership of J Fyffe & S Townsend.

Hill Sixteen was sold as a 5yo for £100,000.

The loss of this gelding saw a change to the course with the first fence moved some 55 metres closer to the start. It was considered the speed many horse met the first fence had lead to fatalities. Also, reducing the size of the field from 40 to 34.

Thomson said of the changes: ‘It makes sense to me.’

Hill Sixteen had jumped 398 hurdles and fences in 27 races at 15 different racecourses over four years and he never fell once.

His death was met with empathy and floods of bile and hatred.

Sadly, Hill Sixteen had broken his neck.

Thomson said: ‘The screens were up around him and he was covered in a sheet. I just got down beside him and stroked his neck and thanked him for everything he’d done for us. I said sorry. ‘

‘He was a special horse to everyone here.’