A couple of popular Grand National horses from recent years were amongst the horses missing as the entries for the 2025 race were announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Gaillard du Mesnil won the National Hunt Challenge Cup at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival before finishing third in the National, but his name was one of those missing from the 90 strong list of potential Grand National runners.
Another to miss out was former Grand National winner Noble Yeats. The horse made history and upset the odds in 2022 as the first seven year old to win the race since way back in 1940. He followed that up with a valiant fourth place a year later, but he was pulled up on his most recent outing and retirement now looks likely.
Despite the absence of Gaillard du Mesnil and Noble Yeats, the entry list is still impressive.
Of the 90 horses that have been put forward for Aintree’s slog around Aintree, the current favourite is last year’s winner, I Am Maximus. He heads a total of 10 Wille Mullins horses that have been entered. I Am Maximus’ entry was much expected, given Mullins has previously spoken about equalling Red Rum’s record three Grand National triumphs.
Of those who could prevent another Mullins victory, fellow Irish trainer Gordon Elliott would appear to be the most likely candidate. He’ll send as many as 16 runners over to Merseyside, with Three Card Brag considered his most likely winner after impressing at Navan recently.
Once again, April’s race will go ahead with a maximum of 34 horses. The limit was cut from 40 horses last year, as one of various safety led measures which were put forward with the aim of ensuring everyone made it round the course safely.
Additional measures have included moving the race to an earlier start time to ensure the best possible ground, and also a standing start to prevent horses reaching the first fence with too much speed.
Latest 2025 Grand National odds*:
I Am Maximus 12/1
Iroko 16/1
Intense Raffles 16/1
Nick Rockett 20/1
Kandoo Kid 25/1
Minella Cocooner 25/1
Stumptown 25/1
*Odds correct at 4pm on 28th January 2025 and are subject to change.
