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
Melling Chase Results
- Jonbon 4/6f
- Protektorat 8/1
JONBON DOES IT! He's picked up TEN Grade 1s, an incredible horse!
The Nicky Henderson-trained horse looked to be cruising home but did need to be ridden at the end to fend off Protektorat.
Nico De Boinville kept him nicely up to his work though and in the end won comfortably!
That's EIGHTEEN wins from 22. Remarkable stuff.
Protektorat and Matata looked to set a strong pace but Jonbon was kept up to the task as the three were well ahead of El Fabiolo early on.
But with a circuit to go they all grouped together and Jonbon quickly took things on which was encouraging to see for favourite backers as they made their way round in front of the stands.
El Fabiolo fell at the open ditch five out, leaving the other three in front, but was up okay right after and Paul Townend is also good to carry on after the fall.
Melling Chase Odds
The fourth race for Day 2 at Aintree in the Grand National Festival is the big feature of Thursday’s racecard at 3.30pm.
It’s the Grade 1 Melling Chase where Jonbon makes a quick appearance after Cheltenham Festival to try for a huge redemption for trainer Nicky Henderson.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Jonbon 8/13
- El Fabiolo 9/4
- Protektorat 8/1
- Matata 18/1
Melling Chase Super Boost
talkSPORT BET have Super Boosted Jonbon to win the Melling Chase at 3.30pm! Was 8/13 !
You can add this to your betslip !
Top Novices’ Hurdle Results
- Salvator Mundi 7/2
- Romeo Coolio 2/1
It's that man again, Paul Townend on board a Willie Mullins-trained horse who was seen coasting through to take the Top Novices' Hurdle!
You know as soon as you see Townend motionless on board a horse getting right into a race it's game over!
Ultimately, the two at the front of the betting were let down by their jumping with Tripoli Flyer struggling to get fluent at most of the obstacles.
Romeo Coolio was up there but also made a big mistake which certainly wouldn't have helped, but the winner was far too good for them all!
That's FIVE for Mullins at Aintree Grand National Festival now!
Broadcasting history for Grand National
Broadcaster Gina Bryce is set to be BBC's first female commentator in 73 years, joining John Hunt's team live on Saturday for the Grand National.
Bryce has a plethora of experience with horse racing being part of Radio 5 Live's racing set up and will now join Hunt, Darren Owen and Gary O'Brien on BBC.
The presenter will debut her commentary at Aintree when calling the Topham Chase on Friday at 4.05pm, live on Radio 5 Sports Extra.
Remarkably only one woman has previously called the huge race at Aintree.
The last was former Aintree Racecourse owner and horse racing personality, Mirabel Topham in 1952.
Topham had actually appointed herself and some friends to commentate on the race after a dispute with BBC.
Though their efforts weren't too serious as they named Teal a faller at the first fence, despite that horse actually winning the 1952 renewal.
Top Novices' Hurdle Odds
The third race for Day 2 at Aintree for the Grand National Festival 2025 goes off at 2.55pm.
This is another huge Grade 1 over an extended 2m where ten runners vie for the Top Novices’ Hurdle.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Tripoli Flyer 13/8
- Romeo Coolio 2/1
- Salvator Mundi 10/3
- 12/1 BAR
Handicap Hurdle Results
- Wellington Arch 11/1
- Kopeck De Mee 15/2
- Impose Toi 7/1
Wellington Arch HOLDS on! Just ahead of Kopeck De Mee who made a huge challenge in the final fulrong!
Jonjo O'Neill Jr is loving these big festivals now and after scooping two at Cheltenham is underway at Aintree!
Wellington Arch made virtually all just like Caldwell Potter and usually in the final two furlongs challengers can run on, but the winner found even more down the straight.
Speaking to Racing TV after the race trainer Jonjo O'Neill explained: "I thought he was going to get caught!
"It all went to plan. We had this race in mind but we were the last one in. And sometimes these things can go right!"
Handicap Hurdle Odds
The second race at Aintree on Friday’s racecard for the Grand National Festival 2025 sets off at 2.20pm.
This 2m4f contest is a Class 1 Premier Handicap featuring as many as 20 runners, perfect for each-way punters!
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Be Aware 6/1
- Kopeck De Mee 13/2
- Wade Out 13/2
- Impose Toi 7/1
- Listentoyourheart 17/2
- 10/1 BAR
View full list of odds !
'Incredibly tough' horse
Speaking to ITV Racing, jockey Harry Cobden was very complimentary abut the dominant winner Caldwell Potter: "He was brilliant the whole way, travelled and jumped. He felt to me like he felt the effects of Cheltenham.
"I was on vapour jumping the third last so it's testament to the horse how tough he is.
"He's tried his hardest at the second last which was the ditch on a long stride and only just got to the other side. He was great down to the last, fired him down to that. He is incredibly tough."
Mildmay Novices’ Chase Result
- Caldwell Potter 11/4JF
- Jordans 11/1
Caldwell Potter does it again! He has jumped with air of assertiveness and dominance and fends off the challenge from Jordans!
Just like at Cheltenham Festival in the Jack Richards last month, Caldwell Potter took up a prominent position to lead from the front.
Sir Alex Ferguson part owns this grey and connections are set for a huge £67,524 prize money just a month after scooping £64,300 at Cheltenham!
Caldwell Potter trained by Paul Nicholls cost a staggering £632,910 at public auction after being with Gordon Elliott for two years.
Dancing City fell five out, largely hampering Handstands and changing the complexion of the race entirely.
Smile!
Mildmay Novices' Chase Odds
The opening race for Aintree Day 2 for the Grand National Festival 2025 is set for the off at 1.45pm.
This 3m1f contest is the first Grade 1 of the day featuring eight runners in a fascinating renewal of the Mildmay Novices' Chase.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Handstands 5/2
- Caldwell Potter 72
- Dancing City 7/2
- Quai De Bourbon 7/1
- Stellar Story 10/1
- The Changing Man 12/1
- Jordans 18/1
- Don't Rightly Know 22/1
Market Movers and Popular Bets
Day 2 at Aintree for the Grand National Festival has seen a few horses stand out in the betting going into the afternoon's action.
Celtic Dino stars in the 5.15pm Hallgarten And Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle.
He was 10/1 earlier on this week but now the Sam Thomas-trained gelding is into 16/5 on !
Jonbon is odds-on to win the Melling Chase but that doesn't stop punters backing the Nicky Henderson-trained super star chaser.
He's remained strong in the market despite his stablemate Constitution Hill falling for the second successive time on Thursday ain the Aintree Hurdle.
The JP McManus-owned nine-year-old is just 4/6 to win the feature race this afternoon!
Never underestimate Hewick
Credit: Getty Ahead of Saturday's big event it's wise to highlight a few horses who could make a big impact on proceedings in the Grand National at 4.00pm.
Hewick, trained by John 'Shark' Hanlon, is one that has been fantastic for connections and punters alike having only cost £800 yet has an incredible track record in big races scooping over £750k in prize money.
So much so that bookies are concerned by the Guinness-drinking cult hero horse.
The now ten-year-old has already taken America by storm winning their Grand National in 2022.
He then featured in the 2023 King George on Boxing Day a huge Grade 1 race over 3m, where he came from the clouds to win in unmissable style to beat Bravemansgame at 12/1.
It showcased this small horse's resilience and stamina as well as his very apparent winning mentality.
Over the years he's won at 16/1 in the bet365 Gold Cup and then the Tote Galway Plate.
Yet he continued to be criminally underrated and underestimated even going into the King George.
The plucky ten-year-old could now be replicating those big victories with a pricetag in the Grand National on talkSPORT BET.
Grey watch
Credit: GETTY As we look ahead to the Grand National 2025 lineup there's a few that can stand out to punters, and that's a grey horse!
So are there any grey horses running in the Grand National this year?
The simple answer is, yes! There are SEVEN!
There's only been three grey horses to win the Grand National ever in its history since its inception in 1839.
The Lamb won it twice in 1868 and 1871, before having to wait until 1961 to see another - Nicolaus Silver.
But it was another few decades before another grey won the National when Neptune Collonges battled to win in fantastic fashion in 2012.
Grey horses running in the 2025 Grand National:
- Vanillier
- Intense Raffles
- Kandoo Kid
- Hyland
- Duffle Coat 50/1
- Fil Dor
- Coko Beach
Tom Lunn's Aintree Day 2 Tips
- 1.45: Handstands 15/8
- 2.20: Wade Out 7/1
- 2.55: Tripoli Flyer 7/2
- 3.30: Jonbon 4/6
- 4.05: Bad 12/1
- 4.40: Califet En Vol 4/1
- 5.15: Celtic Dino 10/1
have seen some huge support since posting on Thursday afternoon.
Bad has been hammered into 9/1 from 12's on while Celtic Dino has seen even stronger support through the morning and is now the 4/1 favourite!
Super Boost
talkSPORT BET have Super Boosted Jonbon to win the Melling Chase at 3.30pm! Was 8/13 !
You can add this to your betslip !
The Nicky Henderson-trained horse is a huge star amongst chasers, with as many as 12 wins from just 15 races over fences.
That's a sensational strike-rate and even when he has lost, he's only ever placed second.
Aintree Grand National Festival Day 2
Ahead of the big race on Saturday, we are treated to numerous Grade 1 contests, including another FOUR for Friday's action!
Jonbon stars in the Grade 1 Melling Chase to take on Willie Mullins runner El Fabiolo.
The Irish trainer had a huge Grade 1 four-timer yesterday afternoon and can't be discounted from scooping a couple more races today!
Stick with us for regular updates throughout the festival!
Here’s today’s full schedule:
- 1.45 - Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
- 2.20 - William Hill Handicap Hurdle
- 2.55 - Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 3.30 - Melling Chase (Grade 1)
- 4.05 - Topham Handicap Chase
- 4.40 - Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 5:15 - Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
Willie Mullins clear favourite for Grand National
After an eventful day at Aintree it's no surprise that the main event on Saturday has seen some movements in the betting market.
Once Mullins secured the four-timer within just four races, money was coming for his horses in Grand National but especially for last year's winner I Am Maximus.
But on the odds for the 2025 renewal are now:
- I Am Maximus 6/1
- Stumptown 13/2
- Iroko 9/1
- Hewick 10/1
- Intense Raffles 10/1
- Vanillier 10/1
- Perceval Legallois 11/1
- Minella Cocooner 14/1
- Nick Rockett 18/1
- Kandoo Kid 18/1
- Hyland 18/1
- Three Card Brag 18/1
- 20/1 BAR
Aintree Day 1 Highlights
Well the first day of the Grand National Festival has come to a close and in typical fashion it did not disappoint.
- Willie Mullins Four Timer - Following on from dominating proceedings at Cheltenham Festival last month, the Irish trainer was back in Britain today scooping each of the first four Grade 1 contests. Winning with Impaire Et Passe, Murcia, Gaelic Warrior and Lossiemouth.
- Constitution Hill vs Lossiemouth - Lossiemouth came out victorious in the Aintree Hurdle after a stunning performance. But what dominated the talk was really the super star Constitution Hill falling for the second time.
- Rich Ricci double - The Ricci's enjoyed two huge winners with Willie Mullins today, owning both Gaelic Warrior and Lossiemouth. The former's success in the Aintree Bowl was all the more impressive as he stepped up to beyond 3m for the first time over fences, which seemed to work a treat.
Mares Open National Flat Handicap Results
- Seo Linn 15/8f
- La Conquiere 25/1
- Kingston Queen 14/1
One for the favourite backers in the lucky last!
This mare looked unphased towards the final two furlongs and then when ridden along with 200 yards to go asserted herself and fended off all rivals including the running on La Conquiere, who ran a stormer at a big price.
Mares Open National Flat Handicap Odds
It’s time for the last last! The final race to come from Aintree today is the 5.15pm Grade 2 National Hunt Flat Race.
The bumpers in these kind of festivals never disappoint and should make for a great finish as 20 runners take on the 2m1f.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- Seo Linn 7/4
- Charisma Cat 4/1
- Jackie Hobbs 4/1
- Kapability 10/1
- BAR 14/1
Red Rum Handicap Chase Results
- Sans Bruit 5/1
- Calico 10/1
- Inedit Star 18/1
- Gunsight Ridge 28/1
This horse thrives here in these conditions and wins impressively ahead of Calico!
Trainer Paul Nicholls gets his first winner for the Aintree Festival with Harry Cobden on board.
He came into it on a very dangerous mark having won this race last year under Bryony Frost!
Red Rum Handicap Chase Odds
The penultimate race of Day 1 at Aintree is the Class 1 2m contest - the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase set for the off at 4.40pm.
14 top-rated runners take on the Mildmay course where puters are treated to huge prices for a great each-way race.
And you can find the odds on , which are as follows:
- My Mate Mozzie 9/2
- Primoz 11/2
- Sans Bruit 13/2
- Rath Gaul Hill 13/2
- Petit Tonnerre 7/1
- BAR 9/1
Open Hunters’ Chase Results
- Gracchus De Balme 22/1
- Jet Plane 11/1
- Lifetime Ambition 5/1
A beautiful performance and determined from the winner!
He made virtually all in this race, took the shortest course up against the rail and made the most of that with a great battle with Jet Plane who also put in a mighty effort.
These amateur riders will dream of this and Huw Edwards was overcome with tears of joy after winning on board the JJ O'Shea trained horse for that reason.
It was revealed after on ITV Racing that Edwards's grandfather rode in 11 Grand Nationals and now his grandson, Huw has won at Aintree too.