The Grand National is the only horse race truly captures the national imagination, with the millions glued to television screens for an average of 9 minutes and 10 seconds every April.
A maximum of 34 horses will lineup at start at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, April 5, with the deadline for entries on January 28 and the weights for the race then unveiled on February 11.
Until that point, we will not have a full picture of the potential field but we do have a betting market to go on. Below, Telegraph Sport assesses the top ten in the betting for the race ahead of the full list
Grand National 2025 – leading players
I Am Maximus (Willie Mullins) 12/1F
Last year’s winner is surely being primed at another crack at the prize, albeit under what is sure to be a much sterner weight. Tailed off at Christmas in a Grade 1 but that will worry connections little at this stage
Intense Raffles (Thomas Gibney) 14/1
Joined new yard from France last season and produced three straight wins, culminating in victory in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. Started the season over hurdles at Navan – there’s not a chance in hell that will be his game come April.
Iroko (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero) 20/1
Talented but fragile. Many thought Grade 1s would be on the agenda for connections but they sprung a surprise by making Aintree the big target. Needs to prove stamina at extreme distances but will have a class edge over many.
Beauport (Nigel Twiston-Davies) 20/1
Won a heavy-ground Midlands National over 4m2f so stamina will not be the issues here. Has started this season well, winning over fences at Ascot before placing in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle.
Minella Cocooner (Willie Mullins) 25/1
Another proven stayer at extreme trips, underlined with a pair of excellent displays to end last season. Was third in the Irish Grand National before winning the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. He looks perfect for this sort or race.
Nick Rockett (Willie Mullins) 25/1
Decent novice form and has looked to be circling a big performance at this kind of race. Seventh in the Irish Grand National last season but returned with a good run in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas
Corbetts Cross (Emmet Mullins) 25/1
Possibly a touch flattered in a Grade 1 at Aintree last season but still a horse of immense ability and one proven over distances beyond three miles. Next run will be key after disappointing in the King George. Holds a Gold Cup entry.
Stumptown (Gavin Cromwell) 25/1
Emerged as very useful cross-country horse of late and will be among the favourites for that race at Cheltenham. Unbeaten in tow starts this season and very much one to watch between now and April.
King Turgeon (David Pipe) 33/1
Unbeaten in three starts this season, including a victory over the National fences at Aintree in November. Took to them like a duck to water that day before winning ar decent handicap at Cheltenham the next month.
Kandoo Kid (Paul Nicholls) 33/1
Superb display in the Carol Gold Cup at Newbury, after which this race was clearly on connections’ minds. Got a decent hike in the weights for that win so unlikely to see too much more between now and April.
