Few names in jump racing carry as much weight as Bravemansgame, and now he’s heading into the 2025 Grand National with plenty of eyes on him—and a few raised eyebrows too.
For those following horse racing results, his name is one that consistently appears in the top ranks of elite chasers.
Trained by Paul Nicholls, who’s in search of his second Grand National trophy, Bravemansgame has spent most of his career running in the classiest company over fences.
But Aintree is a different beast altogether. It’s not just about style – it’s about stamina, staying power, and a bit of luck.
So the big question is: can this Grade 1 performer turn into a National hero? Or is this just a bold experiment from Team Ditcheat?
One thing’s for sure – if Bravemansgame gets into a rhythm, he might just give the doubters something to think about.
From the King George VI to the National
Bravemansgame burst onto the scene as a promising novice, winning the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton in 2021.
His crowning achievement came a year later when he dominated the prestigious King George VI Chase on Boxing Day 2022, cementing his reputation as one of Britain’s leading chasers.
However, since that triumph, wins have eluded him. He came agonisingly close in several major races, including a runner-up finish in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup behind Galopin Des Champs. For fans tracking horse racing live results, these performances have showcased his consistency and ability to compete at the highest level.
Despite these near-misses, his consistency at the highest level has earned him six wins and eight places from 18 chase starts – that’s a 78% win/place rate!
This season has been challenging for Bravemansgame. He has placed in several races but struggled to regain his winning form.
Notable performances include a second-place finish in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and third in the Denman Chase at Newbury.
While these results suggest he may no longer dominate Grade 1 contests, they also highlight his durability and competitiveness which will stand him in great stead on Saturday.
Paul Nicholls Returns To The Grand National
Paul Nicholls is no stranger to success. With over 3,500 career wins and 14 Champion Trainer titles to his name, he is one of the most decorated figures in National Hunt racing.
His Ditcheat yard has produced legends like Kauto Star and Denman, but Grand National glory has been harder to come by. Nicholls’ sole win in the race came with Neptune Collonges in 2012.
This year marks Nicholls’ first return to the Grand National since 2021, and he is bringing a strong contingent of five runners: Bravemansgame, Hitman, Kandoo Kid, Threeunderthrufive, and Stay Away Fay.
Each horse brings unique strengths to the table, but Bravemansgame stands out as a proven Grade 1 performer with experience against elite competition.
Nicholls believes that Bravemansgame’s recent dip in form could work to his advantage. With an official chase rating of 155 and carrying 11st into the National – a weight Nicholls describes as “a real racing weight” – the trainer feels this could be an ideal opportunity for his star to shine.
Among Nicholls’ Quintet: How Does He Rank?
Among Paul Nicholls’ five-strong team for the 2025 Grand National, Bravemansgame stands out as a proven Grade 1 performer with a consistent jumping record and a strong stamina profile.
However, he faces concerns about his lack of recent wins and being untested over the extreme distances of the National.
Hitman has shown solid recent form and is a versatile performer, but he lacks experience over Aintree’s unique fences.
Kandoo Kid, a winner of the Coral Gold Cup, has already demonstrated his ability over Aintree fences, though his limited experience at marathon distances raises questions.
Threeunderthrufive is a strong handicapper with a favourable weight allocation, but his ground preferences remain uncertain.
Lastly, Stay Away Fay is lightly raced and has significant potential for improvement, but could be a dark horse.
Among these contenders, Bravemansgame’s class and experience at the highest level make him the standout name in Nicholls’ arsenal.
A Win That Could Shift Momentum
The stakes are high not just for Bravemansgame but also for Paul Nicholls. The trainer currently trails Dan Skelton in the Trainers’ Championship standings, and a Grand National victory would significantly close that gap.
Winning this iconic race would also reaffirm Nicholls’ status as one of Britain’s greatest trainers.
For owner Bryan Drew, who took sole ownership of Bravemansgame in 2023, victory would be a crowning achievement after years of near-misses on racing’s biggest stages.
Why We Should Pay Attention
Bravemansgame may not be among the betting favourites – currently priced at around 50/1 – but dismissing him outright would be premature.
His impeccable jumping technique and proven stamina make him an intriguing outsider. Moreover, Aintree often rewards horses with staying power and resilience rather than raw speed, qualities that Bravemansgame possesses in abundance.
While questions remain about his ability to handle the extreme distance of the Grand National, his connections are optimistic that this new challenge could reignite his career.
As Paul Nicholls aptly put it: “He might enjoy it… it might spark him up”.
Bravemansgame enters the 2025 Grand National as an underdog with much to prove. Yet his pedigree, experience at the highest level, and expert handling by Paul Nicholls make him a compelling contender.
Whether or not he can replicate Neptune Collonges’ heroics from 2012 remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: Bravemansgame deserves our attention as he embarks on what could be the defining race of his career.
