Grand National 2025 LIVE REACTION: Willie Mullins claims 1-2-3 as Nick Rockett pips I Am Maximus to take stunning victory at Aintree, Broadway Boy in hospital
The 2025 Grand National lived up to expectations as Nick Rockett pipped I Am Maximus at the last to claim a stunning win.
The Willie Mullins horse ridden by his son, Patrick, produced a dream end of the race to drive past last year's winner and claim a win in the National.
But it was a stunning afternoon for Mullins, who claimed a 1-2-3 as Grangeclare West came third as the Irish dominated at Aintree once more.
Saturday, April 5 at Aintree
- 1.20pm - The William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
- Deep Cave 28/1
- Timmy Tuesday 11/2
- Double Powerful 7/1
- 1.55pm - The Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle
- Honesty Policy 5/1
- Regent’s Stroll 9/1
- Funiculi Funicula 12/1
- 2.30pm - The Freebooter Handicap Steeple Chase
- Cruz Control 10/1
- Imperial Saint 11/4
- Erne River 25/1
- 3.05pm - The Ivy Liverpool Hurdle
- Hiddenvalley Lake 12/1
- Strong Leader 5/1
- Jetara 6/1
- 4.00pm - The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase
- 1st - Nick Rockett
- 2nd - I Am Maximus
- 3rd - Grangeclare West
- 5.00pm - The Rosconn Group Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase
- Kalif Du Berlais 15/8
- Brookie
- L'Eau du Sud
- 5.35pm - The Weatherbys NHStallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat
- Green Splendour 10/3
- Destination Dubai
- Koktail Brut 11/2
The Freebooter Handicap Steeple Chase Results
- Cruz Control 10/1
- Imperial Saint 11/4
- Erne River 25/1
Cruz Control by name Cruz Control by nature!
It was all change at the finish! It looked like it could have been any of seven horses at various points.
But it was Cruz Control who was waited with and travelled wonderfully to win by a nice margin ahead of Imperial Saint and Erne River.
Cruz Control won last year ahead of Sam Brown at the same price too, huge performance!
Imperial Saint looked to relish the atmosphere when turning away for the final circuit and took things up to lead and even gave the crowd a lovely showjump.
But he could only manage second where his Aintree record now reads 1112.
Handicap Chase Odds
The third race on Aintree’s racecard for the Grand National Festival 2025 goes off at 2.30pm.
This is another huge Premier Handicap over 3m1f where 12 runners vie for the Handicap Chase.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Imperial Saint 3/1
- Happygolucky 5/1
- Docpickedme 6/1
- Le Milos 9/1
- Weveallbeencaught 9/1
- Richmond Lake 10/1
- 12/1 BAR
Mersey Hurdle Results
- Honesty Policy 5/1
- Regent’s Stroll 9/1
- Funiculi Funicula 12/1
Honesty Policy takes the win from Regent's Stroll! Right before the line to win by half a length!
Regent's Stroll with Harry Cobden on board trained by Paul Nicholls looked to replicate stablemate Caldwell Potter, in the same colours too by jumping well and taking things up from the front.
But it wasn't enough to fend off those familiar colours of JP McManus in the green and gold and a much needed winner for trainer Gordon Elliott.
An encouraging start for I Am Maximus backers in the Grand National.
More drama at the start though as Brian Hughes didn't even have his foot in his iron on board Miami Magic when they were given the wave to start, having had trouble getting the race off multiple times!
Mersey Hurdle Odds
The second race at Aintree on Saturday’s Grand National racecard sets off at 1.55pm.
This 2m4f Mersey Novices’ Hurdle is the first Grade 1 of the day featuring nine runners.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Horaces Pearl 5/2
- Miami Magic 4/1
- Honesty Policy 9/2
- Regent’s Stroll 11/2
- Kappa Jy Pyke 15/2
- Koktail Divin 15/2
- 14/1 BAR
Confident from Tudor
Alice Plunkett asked Jack Tudor after the race on ITV if the jockey thought he'd get there in the end.
Tudor responded confidently: "I did actually, yeah! I thought jumping two out - we've ridden a bit more on the pace before and when he gets there he doesn't do too much - but I was happy today I had something to aim at."
He added that Aintree on the big day is "what it's all about, it's where you want to be riding and where you want to be riding winners."
William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle Results
- Deep Cave 28/1
- Timmy Tuesday 11/2
- Double Powerful 7/1
- Park Of Kings 12/1
- Catch Him Derry 5/1
Big upset at 28/1 in the opener of Grand National Day!
Ran down the frontrunning Timmy Tuesday and it was a huge effort from the winner to come through to win!
Fourth-placed Park Of Kings looked to be storming in with a bit more pace than the front three but the line came at the right time for winner Deep Cave.
It was a bit of a dramatic start as a few jockeys weren't anticipating the starter to wave them on.
But those few very quickly got in touch, including one of the big chances Catch Him Derry, but it was far from ideal.
That horse stayed on in the final stages to claim fifth.
William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle Odds
The opening race for Grand National 2025 day is set for the off at 1.20pm.
This 3m contest is a fascinating contest between 17 top-class rivals in this Premier Handicap Hurdle.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Act Of Authority 4/1
- Catch Him Derry 4/1
- Bill Joyce 11/2
- Timmy Tuesday 6/1
- 7/1 BAR
Current Grand National Odds
There's been plenty of movement in the betting this week and throughout the day on the 34 Grand National runners today.
Grand National 2025 Odds are:
- I Am Maximus 13/2
- Perceval Legallois 8/1
- Iroko 8/1
- Stumptown 8/1
- Hewick 11/1
- Minella Cocooner 12/1
- Intense Raffles 12/1
- Minella Indo 16/1
- Vanillier 16/1
- Hyland 16/1
- Nick Rockett 18/1
- Kandoo Kid 18/1
- Beauport 20/1
- Meetingofthewaters 20/1
- 25/1 BAR
Green and Gold
Credit: Getty Owner JP McManus is ever-present in horse racing with the familiar green and gold hoops on a huge amount of top-class horses, including last year's winner, I Am Maximus.
McManus could have a monumental day as he did last year, with many of his horses in great form across Cheltenham and at Aintree in the first two days as well.
He has five runners for today's Grand National: I Am Maximus, Perceval Legallois, Meetingofthewaters, Chantry House and Iroko.
Three of which are currently topping the market on - I Am Maximus 13/2, Perceval Legallois 8/1 and Iroko 15/2.
Meetingofthewaters is 18/1 so another really strong chance too while Chantry House is out to 100/1, his only runner with a huge pricetag.
There's always hope these horses can stay but the favourite is of course proven but does have to carry top-weight which could be a vital factor.
But it also wouldn't be surprising to see a flurry of green and gold coming down to the last.
Shark and Hewick
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Going Update
Clerk of the course, Jon Pullin provided an update on ITV Racing's Morning Show on the going for Grand National Day.
He explained that there's been a huge effort to get the course watered enough to ensure the going isn't too firm.
Pullin explained: "It's been hard days, hard nights throughout. We got plenty of water on, basically over the last couple of days. And I'm pleased with where we've got to.
"We've had dry conditions and strong breezes both yesterday and Thursday that have dried the track out throughout the afternoon. But we're in a good place again today. Huge effort from the team overnight we've got 8mm on both courses."
- Hurdle and Mildmay course: Good
- National course: Good to Soft
Grand National Free Bet Offers
Check out all the best Grand National free bet offers ahead of the jumps racing showpiece event!
Cromwell Chance
Vanillier stands out to a few for this year's Grand National and does have a solid chance.
The ten-year-old grey trained by Gavin Cromwell has featured in two Grand Nationals already, proving his ability in this mammoth race and showing that he has the stamina to finish.
In 2023 he finished second to Corach Rambler off a mark of 147.
Then in 2024 finished 14th off of 4lb higher. But this year, he's back again 3lb lower than when he placed second to the very impressive Ultima winner and looks better than ever.
Just like Stumptown his last race was in the Cross Country at Cheltenham Festival.
Part way round jockey and horse went the wrong way costing them quite a few lengths putting him almost last.
Despite losing plenty of ground Vanillier (the grey in red and yellow silks) was still in contention and approaching the final straight looked too far back.
But somehow here he was at the finish claiming an unlikely 3rd position and given that finishing ability could be one to storm home after the last at Aintree.
Non-Runners
Due to the drying ground there are numerous non-runners for this afternoon's racecard at Aintree for the Grand National Day.
But fear not, none of them have come from the big race itself, but there are some big withdrawals, namely from Nicky Henderson's yard in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle...
Non-Runners for Aintree, April 5:
- 1.20: Nurse Susan (16), Navajo Indy (22), Maximilian (1), Bo Zenith (9), Jeriko Du Reponet (2).
- 1.55: Lulamba (12), Fingle Bridge (2), Moon Phases (10).
- 2.30: Heltenham (12), Doctor Ken (10), Myretown (4), Peaky Boy (7).
- 3.05: Dashel Drasher (3).
- 5:35 Blofeld (1), El Cairos (6), Camberwell (2), Edward Sexton (5).
Grand National Day is here!
The race that stops a nation, the biggest jumps race in the world. It’s finally arrived.
The Grand National sets off this afternoon at 4pm!
34 Runners face over 4m at Aintree, with 30 obstacles in front of them.
The 2024 winner, I Am Maximus is the big favourite but needs a huge run to replicate Tiger Roll winning two in a row.
But there’s also huge chances all over the field with top jumpers and highly rated horses looking to make history.
The full schedule for this afternoon’s racing at Aintree is:
- 1.20pm - THE WILLIAM HILL TOP PRICE GUARENTEE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE
- 1.55pm - THE TURNERS MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (GRADE 1)
- 2.30pm - THE FREEBOOTER HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE
- 3.05pm - THE IVY LIVERPOOL HURDLE RACE (GRADE 1)
- 4.00pm - THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE
- 5.00pm - THE ROSCONN GROUP MAGHULL NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (GRADE 1)
- 5.35pm - THE WEATHERBYS NHSTALLIONS.CO.UK STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (GRADE 2)
Grand National Odds and Runners
The Grand National is the huge focus now and you can find the odds ahead of the day on , which are as follows:
- I Am Maximus 11/2
- Iroko 15/2
- Stumptown 9/1
- Hewick 10/1
- Perceval Legallois 10/1
- Minella Cocooner 12/1
- Intense Raffles 12/1
- Vanillier 12/1
- 18/1 BAR
The money keeps coming for I Am Maximus as Willie Mullins and Paul Townend not only dominated Cheltenham Festival but also the first two days of Aintree as well.
The JP McManus-owned horse has only had two runs since winning the Grand National last year, pulling up once and placing a distant second in the other.
However, the way he won last year suggests this is a perfect race for him.
There are huge chances this year from a plethora of horses in amongst the top of the betting and this year's renewal will not disappoint.
Tom Lunn's Grand National Day tips
All eyes now go on the Grand National tomorrow as Day 2 at Aintree is rounded off in style with a great handicap contest.
I've selected two big guns for the feature race along with some solid chances to back them up in the rest of the races that star on an action-packed day!
- 1.20: Catch Him Derry 15/2 & Kamsinas 16/1 E/W
- 1.55: Lulamba 5/4
- 2.30: Doctor Ken & Happygolucky 15/2 E/W
- 3.05: The Wallpark 10/1 E/W
- 4.00, Grand National: Vanillier 11/1 & Hewick 12/1 E/W
- 5.00: L'Eau Du Sud 15/8
Find out more on who to back and why HERE.
5.15pm Handicap Hurdle Results
- She's A Saint 25/1
- Slugger 12/1
- Celtic Dino 9/4f
Dylan Johnston got Celtic Dino the favourite right into conention and never gave up.
But Slugger looked poised to make all after the final hurdle.
However, it was She's A Saint who managed to pick off both of those horse battling it out, the only mare of the field too!
And Dan Skelton finally has his first winner of the Aintree Grand National Festival!
5.15pm Handicap Hurdle Odds
It’s time for the lucky last! The final race to come from Aintree today is the Class 2 Hallgarten And Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle for conditional jockeys and amateur riders.
Featuring 17 runners taking on the 2m course it could be wide open, but there's been huge support for the favourite throughout the week and through the day!
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Celtic Dino 12/5
- Afadil 5/1
- Hamsiyann 13/2
- Moon Chime 8/1
- Jack Hyde 8/1
- 17/2 BAR
Sefton Hurdle Results
- Julius De Pictons 14/1
- Minella Rescue 50/1
Mister Meggit just cruised along under Jonjo O'Neill Jr who looked around at his rivals seemingly comfortable that the horse could outstay the rest. But then the horse blundered at the last!
And Julius De Picton picked off the rest as the rest could only walk home!
That was a huge run for second place as well from Minella Rescue at a ridiculous 50/1 price under Sean Bowen for trainer Gary Hanmer.
Sefton Hurdle Odds
The penultimate race of Day 2 at Aintree is a Grade 1 3m contest at 4.40pm where 13 runners take on an intriguing stamina test.
The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle is perfect for those hurdlers progressing through the ranks and we could see some smart prospects here.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Mister Meggit 3/1
- Califet En Vol 3/1
- Familiar Dreams 11/2
- Battle Born Lad 6/1
- Jacob's Ladder 17/2
- Argento Boy 9/1
- 16/1 BAR
Topham Chase Results
- Gentleman De Mee 14/1
- Lisnamult Lad 22/1
- The Goffer 14/1
- Amirite 18/1
Gentleman De Mee and Lisnamult Lad battled all the way to the line but the winner had to make up so much ground to snatch it away from the eight-year-old!
Ginny's Destiny was going so strongly in a race that looked to suit him perfectly.
That was until the last where he pecked on landing and was out of it once that momentum had gone.
That said, the first two who battled to the line were going on strongly.
Gentleman De Mee makes it two winners in quick succession for owner JP Mcmanus, represented by the ever-present gold and green hoops.
There was a huge weight difference between the two horses as they are rated so far apart and in the end it was the higher-rated horse who came home the best.
And of course, it's Irish trainer Willie Mullins with yet another winner.
And breathe
Nicky Henderson was seen right after the Melling Chase breathing a huge sigh of relief.
I think that was a few of us too after seeing Jonbon justify favouritism in the feature race of Day 2 at Aintree.
The trainer looked incredibly relieved and happy that Jonbon bounced back from losing the Champion Chase to win this one for a second time in two years.
It comes a day after his hurdling star Constitution Hill fell for the second successive time after also falling in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival.
Topham Chase Odds
Next up is the 4.05pm Topham Handicap Chase featuring a huge 30 runners.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Bad 11/2
- Blue Lord 13/2
- Excello 17/2
- Ginny's Destiny 9/1
- Marble Sands 11/1
- BAR 12/1
