2025 Grand National
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The latest entry stage for the 2025 Grand National reduced the number of runners in the race down to 67. There were some notable omissions, with Inothewayurthinkin, Monty’s Star, Envoi Allen, Gentlemansgame, and The Real Whacker all being withdrawn.

Inothewayurthinkin was on course to become the first horse since Golden Miller in 1934 to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National in the same season, but trainer Gavin Cromwell has opted to give his talented chaser longer to rest following his Blue Riband success at the Cheltenham Festival.

Intense Raffles Bidding to Complete Grand National Double

The scratching of Inothewayurthinkin has left Intense Raffles at the top of the bet on Grand National 2025 ante-post market, at +500. He will be vying to complete an impressive double himself, as he prevailed in the Irish Grand National in 2024.

Intense Raffles was second in the Grade Three Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse on his latest appearance, and many pundits make him one of their leading Grand National tips for Aintree following that run. He was beaten by a narrow margin, and he will be expected to improve for the outing as it was his first appearance over fences this season.

Thomas Gibney’s runner has been handed a weight allocation of 10st 10lb for the 4m2f race at Aintree. He is 21st in the latest list, so he is guaranteed a run. If successful, he will become only the second seven-year-old to prevail in the world’s most famous steeplechase in 84 years.

Iroko Remains Open to Improvement Over Fences

The Grand National has been the plan for Iroko ever since he finished second behind Inothewayurthinkin in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree Racecourse in 2024. Although he has yet to score in four attempts this season, he has some solid form behind him heading into the 34-runner contest.

On his latest start at Kelso, Iroko finished second behind highly regarded 3m chaser Grey Dawning in the Premier Chase. Dual license trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero opted against running their horse at the Cheltenham Festival to ensure he is fresh enough for a pursuit at the richest Jumps race in the UK.

Iroko has climbed up to 20th position in the latest Grand National weights following the 11 withdrawals. He will be bidding to give owner, JP McManus, a fifth win in the race in Liverpool.

I Am Maximus Has to Carry Top Weight to Success

With a top weight of 11st 12lb, I Am Maximus will be bidding to replicate what he achieved in the Grand National in 2024 when he returns to the Midlands racecourse. He was one of the most impressive winners of the race in many years, but his task will be much harder this time, as he will have 6lb more weight on his back.

The nine-year-old, who is trained by Willie Mullins in Ireland, has yet to shine in two starts this season. He was pulled up in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown, while on his most recent appearance, he finished eighth in the Irish Gold Cup.

Mullins has trained his Aintree hero to shine again in the spring contest. If victorious, he will be only the third repeat winner since 1974.

The final field for the 2025 Grand National will be announced on Thursday, April 3.