Paul Nicholls knows a thing or two about winning the big races, but could Hitman be the surprise package in his 2025 Grand National squad?
With a name like that, you’d expect him to strike when it matters, but Aintree’s marathon test isn’t just about muscle; it’s about nerve, stamina, and a touch of racing luck.
He might not be top of everyone’s list, but if there’s one horse in the field with a name built for headlines, it’s this one.
Reliable & Consistent
With a career marked by consistency and promise, Hitman’s entry into the world’s most famous steeplechase raises intriguing questions about his chances of claiming victory at Aintree.
With a reputation as a reliable performer, he often finishes in the places but rarely secures outright victories.
He’s the epitome of ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ with 14 places and just three wins from 23 chase starts.
While this consistency demonstrates his ability to compete at a high level, critics point out that many of his wins came in less competitive races, leaving questions about his ability to triumph in marquee events like the Grand National.
Recent performances have showcased his aptitude for chasing, including three consecutive second-place finishes this season.
Notably, he finished runner-up in the Grade 2 Denman Chase at Newbury in February behind Djelo, proving his capability against strong opposition over extended trips.
However, as he has yet to win beyond 2m5½f, there are major concerns about his stamina and ability to go the distance of the National.
Trainers Championship on the Line
This year, trainer Pau Nicholls is fielding five runners at Aintree as he attempts to close the gap on Dan Skelton in the British Jump Trainers’ Championship standings.
Among these runners, Hitman stands out as a horse with untapped potential for this unique challenge.
Nicholls himself has expressed cautious optimism about Hitman’s chances. He acknowledges that while stamina remains an unknown factor, the horse’s talent and ability to handle better ground could serve him well.
With Freddie Gingell taking the reins on Saturday, Nicholls hopes Hitman will rise to the occasion and prove himself capable of staying the demanding trip.
The Owners: A Star-Studded Syndicate
Hitman is owned by a high-profile syndicate comprising Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson, Harry Hogarth, and John Done.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s involvement adds an extra layer of excitement; the former Manchester United manager has enjoyed considerable success as a racehorse owner, with his horses amassing over £6.8 million in prize money.
Ferguson’s passion for racing is well-documented, and Hitman represents another opportunity for him to shine on one of racing’s grandest stages.
The ownership group has consistently backed talented horses trained by Nicholls, including Clan Des Obeaux and Protektorat.
Their investment in Hitman underscores their belief in his potential to deliver on big occasions.
Strengths and Limitations
Hitman might not be the flashiest name on the racecard, but there’s a lot to like about Paul Nicholls’ contender for the 2025 Grand National.
He’s been a model of consistency, often popping up in the places and giving his backers a decent run for their money.
Trained by one of the sharpest minds in the business and well suited to the likely good ground at Aintree, he also knows his way around the course, having come close in races like the Old Roan Chase.
But it’s not all smooth sailing; he’s never tackled a marathon trip like this before, and his strike rate suggests he’s more of a hard trier than a heartbreaker.
With big names like I Am Maximus and Hewick in the mix, Hitman will need to dig deep if he’s going to shoot his shot and hit the target at Aintree.
A Maybe
Despite these limitations, there are compelling reasons why Hitman deserves attention as a Grand National contender.
While stamina is unproven, Nicholls believes that Hitman could adapt well to the longer distance due to his natural talent and jumping ability.
His recent performances suggest he is peaking at just the right time and with a world-class trainer and experienced owners backing him, Hitman has access to resources that could help him overcome obstacles.
As part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s syndicate and trained by Paul Nicholls, Hitman carries a story that resonates with fans of both racing and football.
Whether or not he can claim victory remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Hitman is a horse worth watching as he tackles Aintree’s iconic fences in pursuit of glory.
BETFRED
