The Grand National isn’t just a race—it’s a bit of a national obsession. And predictions in 2025 say it’s looking more like an Irish takeover than a British showdown.
With a strong wave of green sweeping through the betting markets, it’s no surprise that many of the top names being tipped for glory hail from across the Irish Sea.
Trainers like Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, and Gavin Cromwell are fielding serious firepower, and you’d be hard pressed to find a racing expert not backing at least one of their horses to be in the mix.
From I Am Maximus, last year’s winner, to rising stars like Perceval Legallois, the Irish squad looks stacked with stamina, class, and staying power.
Whether it’s the slick training operations, the bottomless talent pool, or just the lucky leprechaun dust, something is clearly working.
Flying The Flag
And if history is anything to go by, it wouldn’t be a Grand National without a few Irish flags flying at the front.
The 2025 Grand National at Aintree is shaping up to be another showcase of Irish racing prowess, with trainers and tipsters overwhelmingly backing horses from across the Irish Sea.
Six of the last eight winners have hailed from Irish stables, and this year’s field sees a strong contingent aiming to extend that dominance.
Top Irish Picks
Leading the charge for the expert predictions today is Minella Cocooner (12/1), tipped by Racing Post’s Richard Austen as his standout choice.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding has shown a knack for long-distance races, including a strong finish in last year’s bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
Austen highlights his adaptability to good ground as a key advantage, crucial given Aintree’s drier conditions this year.
Gavin Cromwell’s duo Perceval Legallois (12/1) and Vanillier (12/1) are also generating buzz. Betfair’s Kevin Blake singled out Perceval Legallois as a “young, improving chaser” with a proven record in competitive handicaps, while Vanillier’s consistency over similar trips makes him a live contender.
Choose Your Own Runner
If non of the expert Grand National Tips take your fancy or catch your eye, check out all of the runners below and find one you do like!
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.
Expert Verdicts
Richard Austen (Racing Post): “Minella Cocooner’s stamina and ground preference make him the one to beat.”
Kevin Blake (Tipster): “Perceval Legallois is the perfect blend of form and potential for this race.”
With Irish stables holding 18 of the 34 entries, their collective strength is hard to ignore.
British Hopefuls Aim to Halt Irish Streak at Aintree
While Irish horses dominate the headlines, British trainers are fielding several compelling contenders in this year’s Grand National.
Nicky Henderson’s Hyland (18/1) and Paul Nicholls’ Kandoo Kid (20/1) lead the charge for the home team, offering punters tempting odds.
Hyland: A Novelty Act?
Hyland, a second-season chaser, has caught the eye of Sky Sports’ Mick Fitzgerald and Racing TV’s David Jennings.
Despite Henderson’s historic lack of Grand National success, Jennings notes Hyland’s “exemplary jumping” and ideal weight profile. Trainer Nicky Henderson remains optimistic: “He’s ready for this challenge and loves good ground.”
Kandoo Kid’s Momentum
Kandoo Kid, third in last year’s Topham Chase over these fences, brings proven Aintree experience. Nicholls has targeted this race specifically, with a light prep schedule to keep the eight-year-old fresh.
Tipster Tom Collins includes him in his top four, praising his “ability to handle the unique demands of these fences”.
Under-the-Radar Contender
Don’t overlook Beauport (22/1), trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies. Though lightly raced this season, his fourth-place finish in the 2024 National and familiarity with the course make him a sneaky each-way pick.
Grand National 2025: Long Shots and Value Bets
For those seeking bigger payouts, this year’s Grand National predictions offer several dark horses with credible claims.
Sky Sports’ Sean Boyce has thrown his weight behind Horantzau D’Airy (100/1), a rank outsider with a heartwarming backstory.
Though his recent form (999) looks dire, trainer Michael Keady insists the Newmarket-based gelding has “jumped brilliantly” in practice over National-style fences.
Mid-Priced Mavericks
Intense Raffles (12/1): Tipped by both David Johnson and Daryl Jacob, this seven-year-old thrives on good ground and could outrun his odds.
Senior Chief (33/1): Sporting Life’s Ben Linfoot highlights his strong staying power and recent handicap improvements.
Expert Wildcards
Mick Fitzgerald (Sky Sports): “Iroko (8/1) is the young gun—unexposed and primed for a breakthrough.”
Lydia Hislop (Racing Post): “Minella Cocooner’s Sandown win last year signals he’s built for this.”
Final Word
Whether backing favourites or long shots, the Grand National remains a race where logic and luck collide.
With bookmakers offering up to seven places for each-way bets, spreading stakes across proven picks and bold outsiders could yield surprises.
As the Aintree crowd roars at 4:00 PM, all eyes will be on which horse—and which story—triumphs.
BETFRED
