There’s something undeniably fun about backing a Grand National outsider. You’ve got 34 horses, chaos at every fence, and a race that can flip in seconds — so why not throw a cheeky each-way on a 100/1 shot and dream big?
Every year, plenty of runners line up with sky-high odds, and while most don’t make it far, sometimes one of them keeps jumping, stays out of trouble, and suddenly, they’re in the mix turning for home.
In 2025, three horses are currently priced at 100/1, with quite a few more on 80/1.
They might not have the flashy reputations of the favourites, but each of them is a proper racehorse with a ticket to the big one — and once the tape goes up at Aintree, absolutely anything can happen.
So, let’s take a closer look at this year’s hopeful outsiders.
Conflated – 100/1
Conflated might be sitting at 100/1 in the betting, but don’t let those long odds fool you, he’s not just here to make up the numbers.
A dual Grade 1 winner with bags of class in his back pocket, he’s one of three runners in this year’s Grand National carrying that juicy triple-figure price tag.
For fans of a bold each-way flutter, that’s like catnip. Sure, the distance is a big ask and his recent form has been up and down like a yo-yo, but if he jumps cleanly and stays the trip, 100/1 could look like daylight robbery come the run-in.
Idas Boy – 100/1
If you’re the kind of Grand National fan who can’t resist a proper long shot, Idas Boy might just be calling your name.
He’s not one of the flashy names, but he has got form where it counts – like that cracking win in the Kilbeggan Midlands National, proving he can stay, battle, and thrive in a big field.
Carrying a tidy 10st 10lb, he’s got a nice weight on his back and a fresh pair of legs too, thanks to a light campaign under Richard Phillips, who’s clearly been saving him for something big. Spoiler alert: it could be this.
With Harry Bannister in the saddle and a syndicate dreaming of pulling off the ultimate upset, Idas Boy could give those massive odds a shake-up…and give long-shot backers a serious thrill.
Horantzau D’Airy – 100/1
You’re not going to see Horantzau D’Airy on many tipster lists, but at 100/1, he’s one of the great long shots in this year’s Grand National, and that’s exactly why some punters love him.
Every year, there’s a horse that quietly sneaks into the line-up and suddenly looks a lot more interesting as the race gets closer.
Trained by Michael Keady, Horantzau D’Airy is making his Grand National debut with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
He’s young, unexposed over this kind of trip, and might just love the test Aintree throws at him.
If you’re the type who likes to cheer home a big-priced outsider, this could be your under-the-radar pick.
Celebre D’Allen – 80/1
At the very bottom of the market sits Celebre d’Allen — and if he wins, there will be a lot of happy punters who stuck a pound on “for a laugh.”
But before you write him off completely, here’s a horse who’s actually run some nice races in the past, particularly in smaller field staying handicaps.
At 13 years old, he’s one of the oldest horses in the race, and realistically, it’s going to be tough. But stranger things have happened.
He’s experienced, doesn’t mind testing conditions, and if chaos unfolds in front of him, he might just keep plugging away and pass a few tired legs late on.
Celebre d’Allen is the very definition of a fun flutter. You’re not expecting him to win — but if he’s still in the race with three fences to go, you’ll be shouting louder than anyone.
And isn’t that what the Grand National is all about?
Royale Pagaille – 80/1
If you’re the kind of Grand National punter who loves a cheeky 80/1 shot, then Royale Pagaille might just be your kind of horse.
At 11 years old, he’s no spring chicken, but he’s got bags of experience and a couple of big wins under his belt – including two victories in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, the latest of which came as recently as November 2024. That’s not bad for a so-called outsider.
He stays all day, loves a scrap, and if the heavens open and the ground turns soft, you can bet he’ll be grinning through the mud.
Add in his long-time jockey Charlie Deutsch, who knows exactly how to get a tune out of him, and you’ve got a horse that could quietly plod past the chaos while others fade.
He might not be topping many tipster lists, but Royale Pagaille could be one of those big-priced runners that has everyone saying, “Why didn’t I back him?”
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Your Alternatives!
The 100/1 long shots are not for everybody and while a few have popped across the winning post over the years, there’s usually a reason why the odds are so bad.
If you don’t fancy taking your chances on any of them in 2025, the list below covers all of this year’s runners with their silks and odds.
Have a look and see if one or two catch your eye!
Odds listed on this page are taken from Betfred on 05/04/2025. Check the odds with your Bookmaker before placing a bet, as fluctuations occur. Full Terms and Conditions for the promotional bet offers can be found on the respective websites – read them before you sign up.
They Don’t Even Have To Win!
Almost nobody is putting money on a 100/1 to win. Instead, what we all do is put one or two pounds on an each-way bet.
Most bookies will pay out each-way bets if your horse finishes in the top 5 (some even go to 6 or 7 places).
And here’s the good bit: they’ll usually pay 1/5 of the odds for the place part of your bet. So even if your longshot doesn’t win, finishing 3rd still puts a tidy few quid back in your pocket.
For example, say you put £2 each-way on a 100/1 horse. That’s £4 total (£2 to win, £2 to place).
If your horse finishes 3rd (or 4th or 5th), the win part loses, but the place part pays 1/5 of 100/1, which is 20/1.
So you get £2 x 20 = £40, plus your £2 stake back — £42 in total, just for picking a horse that made it into the top 5.
Not bad for a flutter on a wild outsider!
100/1 Winners – They Do Happen
Think a 100/1 shot can’t win? Tell that to Mon Mome (2009), Foinavon (1967), and Tipperary Tim (1928) — all Grand National champions at triple-digit odds.
The race’s unpredictable nature, the sheer size of the field, and the challenge of those 30 fences mean that sometimes, it’s the horse with the longest odds that finds a way through.
The last few years have been dominated by better-fancied horses, but history tells us not to ignore the outsiders.
Just one slip from a favourite, one bit of luck for a no-hoper, and everything changes.
The Fun of a Longshot
Let’s be honest — backing a 100/1 shot is less about stats and more about hope. You’re not doing it because the horse has the best form.
You’re doing it because it’s the National, anything can happen, and wouldn’t it be amazing to land a huge win for the price of a coffee?
So whether you fancy Minella Crooner’s staying power, Fontaine Collonges’ grit, the quirky charm of Minella Drama, the classy potential of Hitman, or the absolute wildcard that is Celebre d’Allen, take your pick and enjoy the ride.
Because come 4pm today, one of them might just become a Grand National legend — and you’ll have the best story in the pub.
BETFRED
