It’s Grand National day – the most exciting and unpredictable day in the racing calendar.
Whether you’ve been studying form for weeks or you just picked a horse because you like its name, there’s something magical about this race.
At 4pm, 34 runners will line up at Aintree, all dreaming of crossing the line first in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
If you’re not a racing expert, don’t worry – most of the country isn’t either. This guide will tell you everything you need to know before placing your bet today.
So put the kettle on, open your betting app, and let’s get you ready for the big race.
🐎 The Runners: Who’s Lining Up in the 2025 Grand National?
This year’s final field has been whittled down to 34 confirmed runners. That’s six fewer than usual due to new safety rules, but don’t worry – there’s still plenty of drama to come.
Some names you’ll recognise, some you won’t. Some are trained by racing royalty, others by smaller stables hoping for their moment in the sun.
Below is a quick guide with the horses, silks, and odds to make it nice and easy to spot your favourite.
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.
💸 Understanding the Odds
If you’re new to betting, the odds might look a bit strange, but they’re easy once you get the hang of it.
Let’s say your Grand National horse is 10/1. That means for every £1 you bet, you’ll win £10 if the horse wins (plus your £1 stake back).
A 5/1 horse pays less because bookmakers and bettors think it’s more likely to win, while a 100/1 outsider pays more because it’s, well… less likely to finish first.
Smaller odds = more likely to win (according to the bookies).
Bigger odds = less likely, but more rewarding if they do win.
It doesn’t always go to plan, though — this is the Grand National after all. Horses with odds of 100/1 have won before!
🏇 Tips for Today’s Race
Now for the good stuff — who should you back?
We’ve gone for a mix of horses who can win or run big races and place, so you’ve got a shot at a return either way:
Stumptown
Game, gritty, and well-fancied by plenty of shrewdies. He could sneak his way into the frame or better.
Hewick
If fairytales exist in horse racing, Hewick is the headline act. A bold jumper who never knows when he’s beaten.
Beauport
A rock-solid stayer with form in tough races. If others fade, he’ll still be galloping.
Hyland
Trainer Nicky Henderson’s biggest chance at winning his first ever National after more than 40 years in the business. Could surprise a few if he takes to the course!
All four offer good value and could be the ones you’re shouting home over the last few fences.
Of course, you can also completely ignore those tips and plump for a horse that catches your eye or has a name you like!
🏅 Who Is The Favourite Today?
Betting markets are a fickle thing and can change on a whim – or when somebody lumps down a huge bet – so right up until the race starts, it can all change at the top.
We’ve seen four or five horses vying for the ‘favourite’ spot, and right now it’s going the way of I Am Maximus.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the returning champion is aiming to do a ‘Tiger Roll’ and win back-to-back Grand National races.
He’s the type of horse that does everything right without making a fuss, and sometimes that’s exactly what wins you the big one.
Despite being lumbered with top weight, his odds have tumbled in the last couple of days, so if you fancy him, best get your bet on before the rest of the country joins in.
🌱 What’s the Going Like?
What does that mean? The going describes the condition of the ground on the racecourse — basically, how soft or firm it is underfoot.
It affects how well horses run, with some preferring softer, wetter ground and others liking it firmer and faster.
This year, the ground staff at Aintree started watering the course last week to stop it drying out too much — and that tells you something straight away.
They want to keep the surface safe and consistent, so we’re expecting Good to Soft ground, maybe edging towards Good if there’s no more rain.
Basically, it won’t be too firm (which can be tough on horses) or too soft (which can turn it into a slog). This going suits horses with a bit of speed but who can also stay the distance — so it’s fair for everyone.
For the Grand National in 2025, the going is officially described as ‘GOOD TO SOFT, Good in places‘.
So if you’re chosen horse loves a slog around in the mud, he’s probably out of luck!
📣 Betfred Are Paying 7 Places – That’s Huge!
Here’s something you definitely want to know — Betfred are paying out each-way bets to 7 places on the Grand National. That’s massive!
Usually, bookies pay each-way up to 5 or 6 places, but with 34 runners, Betfred has gone even further.
So if your horse finishes anywhere in the top 7, you still get a return on your bet — even if they don’t win.
Let’s say you’ve backed Beauport at 40/1 each-way. If he finishes 6th, you still get paid on the place part of the bet — at 1/5 the odds, that’s like winning at 8/1. Not bad for a near miss!
So if you’re not sure who to back, an each-way bet with 7 places gives you a much better shot at turning that fiver into a few pints (or more!).
🎉 Final Thoughts – Enjoy the Madness
The Grand National is like no other race. It’s unpredictable, full of drama, and the only time all year when the whole country turns into racing fans for an afternoon.
Whether your horse leads from the front, finishes a gallant 6th, or falls at the first (it happens…), it’s all part of the fun.
We’ve got the runners, we’ve got the tips, and now you’ve got everything you need to have a go.
Don’t overthink it — pick a name you like, throw a bet on each-way, and enjoy the ride.
Good luck, and may your horse come home safe and flying!
BETFRED
