Everyone loves the long shots and outsiders in the Grand National, and let’s be honest, half the fun is picking a horse based on a great name, lucky number, or random hunch.
While the favourites get all the spotlight, every year there’s a big-priced runner that flies under the radar and suddenly pops into view when it matters most.
If you’ve ever cheered home a 50/1 shot while your more “informed” mates backed the favourite into the ground, this list is for you.
We’ve picked out five dark horses in the 2025 Grand National who might not be grabbing headlines, but could grab the glory.
They may not win, but sometimes backing a horse to place at 66/1 returns more than a win on the favourite.
Less glory, maybe, but a lot more grin when you check your balance!
Five Outsiders to Watch in 2025
This year’s Grand National lineup features some intriguing long shots who could deliver a shock result.
And for fans who love showing their racing loyalties, collectible Custom Medals featuring favourite horses or iconic Grand National moments are becoming a fun way to celebrate those bold bets and long-shot wins.
Here are the five runners we’ve picked who could well outrun their odds.
1. Threeunderthrufive (50/1)
Paul Nicholls’ charge might not be top of anyone’s list, but dismissing him outright would be a mistake.
His chances are boosted with a weight of just 10-12, and this horse has shown flashes of brilliance over staying distances, including 4th place in the Scottish National in 2023.
If he can find his rhythm early and avoid trouble at key fences like Becher’s Brook or The Chair, he could sneak into contention late on.
2. Coko Beach (66/1)
Current form leaves a lot to be desired BUT this is a horse who has already run in the Grand National THREE times!
If there’s one runner who knows the course inside out, it’s Coko Beach. He finished 8th in 2022, pulled up in 2023, and was 11th in 2024.
Plus, he’ll be carrying nearly a stone less in 2025, so he has every chance of at least placing.
Trainer Gordon Elliott knows how to prepare horses for Aintree’s unique demands – he trained Tiger Roll to two victories here.
3. Twig (66/1)
Twig is one of those horses that seems tailor-made for an upset and has shown he can handle tough courses with aplomb.
Admittedly, not having a fantastic season, but carried 11-09 in each of his last three races, all more than three miles.
For the 2025 Grand National, he will have a huge advantage carrying only 10-05 – same weight as winner Corach Rambler in 2023!
Jockey Beau Morgan has been riding him for three years and this is one partnership not to be underestimated.
If he takes to the fences as expected, Twig could be this year’s surprise package.
4. Appreciate It (66/1)
A Grade One winner in his younger days, Appreciate It is trained by Willie Mullins – a name synonymous with success at the highest level.
While questions remain about his stamina over this extended trip, his class is undeniable.
If Mullins has worked his magic once again and Appreciate It stays the distance, he could be flying past tired rivals on the home straight.
5. Bravemansgame (40/1)
This horse has run in 18 chases, and 14 times he has finished in the money!!
And, speaking of money, he has racked up over £720,000 in winnings, so he is definitely no slouch.
This former King George VI Chase winner has pedigree in spades, and while wins have been short on the ground recently, from 26 races under rules, he has only finished outside of the top 7 ONE time.
If you have a bookmaker paying extended places, then seriously consider Bravemansgame for that each-way flutter!
The Rest of the Field
If none of our five fancies above have caught your eye, then check out all the runners and odds below.
These are the 34 runners who are guaranteed a place.
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.
The Magic of Outsiders: Past Longshots Who Stunned at Aintree
The Grand National has a rich history of delivering shocks, and while 100/1 winners like Mon Mome (2009) and Foinavon (1967) grab the headlines, there’s something particularly satisfying about a 50/1 or 66/1 winner.
These odds suggest a horse with just enough potential to fly under the radar but not so improbable as to seem like a lottery ticket.
Take Noble Yeats, for example. In 2022, this 50/1 shot stormed to victory, defying expectations and leaving punters scrambling to check their betting slips. Earlier on the day, you could have backed him at 80/1!
Similarly, Auroras Encore triumphed at 66/1 in 2013, proving that even in modern racing, where data and form analysis reign supreme, surprises still happen.
And let’s not forget Last Suspect, who stunned at 50/1 in 1985 after almost being withdrawn from the race entirely.
These moments remind us that the Grand National isn’t just about form, it’s about heart, grit, and a little bit of luck.
Why Outsiders Shine at Aintree
The Grand National is unlike any other race. Its unique challenges demand more than just speed or pedigree.
Horses must have stamina, jumping ability, and an unflappable temperament to navigate the chaos.
This levels the playing field, giving lesser-known runners a chance to shine.
Moreover, big-name horses often carry heavier weights due to their success in previous races.
This handicap system can tilt the odds in favour of outsiders who are less burdened but equally capable of handling the course.
Add in unpredictable factors like weather, horses who throw their riders off, and it’s no wonder dark horses frequently outperform expectations.
So, whether you’re picking on vibes, colours, or a hunch from your nan, keep an eye on these outsiders—because in the Grand National, anything really can happen.
BETFRED
