Grand National Winners

Past and Present Winners of the Aintree Grand National

Horses

Grand National Runners

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the confirmed field for the 2025 Grand National:

  1. I Am Maximus
  2. Royale Pagaille
  3. Nick Rockett
  4. Grangeclare West
  5. Hewick
  6. Minella Indo
  7. Appreciate It
  8. Minella Cocooner
  9. Conflated
  10. Stumptown
  11. Hitman
  12. Beauport
  13. Bravemansgame
  14. Chantry House
  15. Threeunderthrufive
  16. Perceval Legallois
  17. Kandoo Kid
  18. Iroko
  19. Intense Raffles
  20. Senior Chief
  21. Idas Boy
  22. Fil Dor
  23. Broadway Boy
  24. Coko Beach
  25. Stay Away Fay
  26. Meetingofthewaters
  27. Monbeg Genius
  28. Vanillier
  29. Horantzau D’airy
  30. Hyland
  31. Celebre D’allen
  32. Three Card Brag
  33. Twig
  34. Duffle Coat

—-

On 18th March the second round of Grand National Runners withdrawals in the declarations process were announced. Fourteen horses were removed (11 withdrawn and 3 non qualifiers). The biggest named horse now out of the 2025 Grand National has to be favourite Inothewayurthinkin.  The next withdrawals will be at the confirmation stage (31st March). Final declarations are on 3rd of April.

A list of those in the running:

 

  1. Apple Away
  2. Appreciate It
  3. Beauport
  4. Bravemansgame
  5. Broadway Boy
  6. Capodanno
  7. Celebre d’Allen
  8. Chantry House
  9. Chemical Energy
  10. Coko Beach
  11. Conflated
  12. Cruz Control
  13. Desertmore House
  14. Duffle Coat
  15. Famous Bridge
  16. Fantastic Lady
  17. Favori de Champdou
  18. Fil Dor
  19. Fontaine Collonges
  20. Grangeclare West
  21. Hewick
  22. Hitman
  23. Horantzau d’Airy
  24. Hyland
  25. I Am Maximus
  26. Idas Boy
  27. Intense Raffles
  28. Iroko
  29. Kandoo Kid
  30. King Turgeon
  31. L’Homme Presse
  32. Macdermott
  33. Malina Girl
  34. Meetingofthewaters
  35. Minella Cocooner
  36. Minella Drama
  37. Minella Indo
  38. Mister Coffey
  39. Monbeg Genius
  40. Mr Incredible
  41. Mr Vango
  42. Nick Rockett
  43. Perceval Legallois
  44. Quick Wave
  45. Roi Mage
  46. Royale Pagaille
  47. Senior Chief
  48. Shakem Up’Arry
  49. Stay Away Fay
  50. Stuzzikini
  51. Stumptown
  52. Surrey Quest
  53. Three Card Brag
  54. Threeunderthrufive
  55. Trelawne
  56. Twig
  57. Vanillier
  58. Velvet Elvis
  59. Where It All Began
  60. Yeah Man

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 6th – 14th 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 11th – Weights published for all runners (90)

February 25th – First round of horses withdrawn

March 18th – Second round of withdrawals

March 31st – Five-day declarations (34)

April 3rd – 48 hour declarations and final field confirmed

The Day of the Race:

*5th 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.

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