It’s Grand National Day — the one time of year when even your nan, your postman, and half the office suddenly become racing experts.
Whether you’re picking a name you like, a lucky number, or just fancy a flutter for fun, there’s one big question on everyone’s mind this morning: who’s the favourite for the 2025 Grand National?
If you’re still undecided on who to back before the big off at Aintree, don’t worry — we’ve got the latest odds, names to watch, and everything you need to know right here.
So, Who’s The Fav?
This year, there were four or five horses that galloped their way to the top of the betting charts in the final days before the big race.
It looked like anyone of them could go off as a favourite, but once Willie Mullins won the first four races on day one of the Aintree Festival, the money was lumped on I Am Maximus and his odds shortened to as low as 11/2.
That doesn’t mean that he will win, or that in the hours before the race, as millions of people put their bets on, that one of the other horses will pip him to the top of the betting markets.
I Am Maximus: The Reigning Champion
I Am Maximus isn’t just one of the hot favourites for the 2025 Grand National — he’s a name that’s been on racing fans’ radars for a while now.
Trained by the mighty Willie Mullins, this horse comes into the race with serious credentials and plenty of punters ready to throw their support behind him.
After winning the Irish Grand National in 2023 and the Aintree Grand National in 2024, he’s proved he’s not just hype — he can handle a marathon trip and keep finding more.
What makes I Am Maximus stand out is his staying power and calm temperament. In a race as unpredictable as the National, where horses can be unsettled by the crowd, the fences, and the sheer madness of 34 runners jostling for position, his laid-back attitude could be his secret weapon.
He’s got the engine, the experience over fences, and the benefit of a trainer who knows exactly how to get a horse ready for the big day.
The biggest obstacle will be his top weight, which could slow him down. But he’s got a serious chance of back-to-back Grand National wins and just might live up to his name.
Iroko: The Plucky Hopeful
Iroko has crept up the betting in recent weeks, and by Grand National day, he’s one of the horses being taken very seriously.
Trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, Iroko has a loyal following — and it’s not just because he’s got a name that sounds like a superhero.
This is a classy horse with a big engine and a proven ability to stay on when others are running out of puff.
What makes him such an interesting contender for the 2025 Grand National is his consistency.
He’s rarely run a bad race, has form on soft ground (which always helps at Aintree), and his jumping has come on leaps and bounds this season.
He’s the kind of horse you can picture weaving his way through the chaos, popping over the last in a handy position, and giving you a real run for your money.
There’s always a risk — he’s still relatively untested over this extreme distance — but he ticks a lot of boxes for anyone looking beyond the outright favourite.
If you fancy a horse with heart, talent, and a strong team behind him, Iroko might just be the one to carry your bet into the final few furlongs.
Stumptown: The Cross-Country Specialist
Stumptown enters the Grand National off an exceptional run of form that includes victories in both cross-country races at Cheltenham – the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup in December and the Cross Country Chase at this year’s Festival.
Trained by Gavin Cromwell, this eight-year-old gelding has found his niche as a cross-country specialist and now aims to translate that success onto Aintree’s grand stage.
He’s tough, he stays, and he doesn’t mind a bit of hustle and bustle — perfect traits for tackling the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Cromwell has been targeting the Grand National with Stumptown for a while, and everything about his prep run suggests he’s been trained with one day in mind — today.
While others might have more headlines behind them, Stumptown is the type who could sneak under the radar, jump his way into a great position, and suddenly find himself in the thick of it coming to the last.
Quiet confidence surrounds him. Don’t be surprised if he’s still swinging turning for home.
If he can replicate his Cheltenham form later today, Stumptown could deliver another standout performance and join the ranks of cross-country stars who have thrived at Aintree.
Perceval Legallois: The Rising Star
Perceval Legallois hasn’t just crept into the Grand National picture, he’s galloped right into it.
Trained by Gavin Cromwell and backed by a team that knows how to get results, this horse has quietly built up a seriously solid profile.
His staying power, jumping ability, and ability to handle big fields make him the kind of runner punters love to keep onside.
He’s consistent, proven over long distances, and not fazed by the hustle and bustle of a busy race.
It’s no wonder the bookies have been trimming his odds – he ticks a lot of the right boxes for Aintree.
And, did you know his name means Perceval the Welshman, most likely after Sir Percival, a Welsh knight at King Arthur’s round table!
…And The Rest
Not feeling the favourite this year? You’re not alone—plenty have flopped at short odds before.
Scroll down for the full list of runners—your winner might be hiding in plain sight.
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.
Who Will Win?
With so many strong contenders lining up, the 2025 Grand National is shaping up to be another thriller — full of stories, surprises, and heart-stopping moments.
Whether you’re backing the favourite, siding with a solid each-way shot, or picking a name that just feels lucky, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this race.
Horses like I Am Maximus, Iroko, Perceval Legallois and Stumptown all bring something different to the table — form, flair, grit, or staying power — and any one of them could be first past the post if things fall their way.
And, if you want to check out ALL the runners and riders…click here for the full lowdown!
So grab your bet, pick your runner, and get ready — because once that tape goes up at Aintree, anything can happen.
BETFRED
