For years, the Grand National was the one big race Willie Mullins hadn’t quite bent to his will, but that’s changed in the last couple of renewals.
He’s turned Aintree into an extension of his Cheltenham dominance, sending out deep squads rather than just one headline act.
Nick Rockett’s late withdrawal means he relies on eight runners this year, but if you’ve followed Mullins at all, you’ll know his so‑called second strings have a habit of making headlines of their own.
With a mix of proven Grade 1 stars, up‑and‑coming staying chasers and a few familiar sets of silks, there’s something for every each‑way punter in his team.
I Am Maximus
I Am Maximus is the obvious starting point: 2024’s Grand National hero and last year’s second-place finisher, he is already a household name among plenty of casual racing fans.
A proven stayer with class to burn, he’s carried big weights, handled pressure, and shown that the Aintree fences hold no fear for him.
Paul Townend knows him inside out, and that calm, low‑drama riding style suits a horse who doesn’t need the kitchen sink thrown at him to travel into a race.
He ticks almost every simple box: recognisable name, top jockey, top trainer, and the reassuring feeling that you’ve backed “the right one”.
Grangeclare West
Grangeclare West is the other Mullins runner near the head of the market and feels like the quiet professional of the squad.
A solid third in last year’s Grand National showed he stays, handles the fences, and isn’t fazed by the big‑race noise.
With last year’s winning jockey, Patrick Mullins, booked, there’s a nice family angle, and he very much looks like the type who could creep into the race and suddenly loom large again after the last.
Captain Cody
Captain Cody won the Scottish National last season, is sitting at a backable price, and carrying a nice racing weight.
He’s shown his best form in staying chases where he can get into a rhythm, and he tends to be straightforward: jumps, keeps going, doesn’t overcomplicate life.
That sort of attitude is gold dust in the National, where smooth jumpers can quietly pass beaten horses in the last mile.
With JJ Burke, a strong, uncomplicated rider, there’s enough here to make him an appealing each‑way play for anyone who prefers one at double‑figure odds.
Champ Kiely
Champ Kiely brings a touch of class from his earlier days over hurdles, having mixed it at graded level before going chasing.
He has the engine for good races, but hasn’t always been the most straightforward, which is partly why he’s a bigger price than the stable stars.
The upside is that if he drops the quirky moments and latches onto the pace, his raw ability could carry him a long way.
Danny Mullins is an excellent match for him, strong and tactically sharp, and for each‑way players, he’s the kind you take on trust, hoping everything clicks on the day.
Spanish Harlem
Spanish Harlem feels like the dark‑horse profile that has “Mullins second string runs massive” written all over it.
He’s been brought along steadily over fences, usually keeping decent company without shouting about it, and has the look of a horse who might just improve again for a long, strongly run race.
The name itself will catch the eye of casual punters scanning the card, and he runs in the colours of Dr Peter Fitzgerald, the managing director of Randox, the race sponsor.
Lecky Watson
Lecky Watson is another who won’t top many preview pieces, but that often plays well in the National.
A year ago, he was running great guns, but this season has shown little enthusiasm for racing. Maybe Mullins has seen something more from him at home and hopes he comes good on the day.
Sean O’Keeffe is an underrated rider who tends to get horses jumping and travelling sweetly, and together they may make for a sensible each‑way option rather than a shot at glory or bust.
Quai De Bourbon
Quai De Bourbon is the baby of the team at seven, but that’s not necessarily a negative in modern Nationals, though to be fair, only one has actually won since 1940 (Noble Yeats in 2022).
His form is mixed, but his light weight is a plus, and his neat, nimble jumping suggests he could cope well with the big fences if he keeps his cool early.
Donagh Meyler is very good at minding a young horse around here, so if you like a progressive type at a chunky price for an each‑way bet, he’ll be high on the shortlist.
High Class Hero
High Class Hero is exactly what his name suggests: a likeable, honest chaser who just keeps turning up and doing his job.
He has strong staying form in softer conditions and gives the impression he’ll keep finding as long as the jockey keeps asking.
The handicapper has given him a nice racing weight, which could become a real asset if this year’s race turns more attritional than tactical.
With James Bowen taking the ride, you’ve got a young jockey who already knows his way around the National fences, and that combination makes him a very fair each‑way shout at bigger odds.
The Mullins Squad
If you just want something straightforward, siding with I Am Maximus or Grangeclare West will make plenty of sense, and you won’t have to do much explaining in the pub.
But the beauty of a Willie Mullins Grand National team is that the so‑called supporting cast are often just as dangerous as the stars.
Captain Cody, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Quai De Bourbon, Champ Kiely, and High Class Hero all bring something slightly different to the table, from proven stamina to eye‑catching profiles and friendly prices.
In a race where half the field will have hard‑luck stories, spreading your each‑way stakes across a couple of these could be a sensible way to enjoy the chaos without overcomplicating things.
BETFRED
