With the dust settled on the 2024 Grand National, racing fans are now looking ahead to the 2025 renewal of the sport’s most famous steeplechase. Last year’s winner, I Am Maximus, enters the conversation as one of the leading hopes to defend his crown, while an exciting new group of challengers are also ready to take on Aintree’s iconic four-mile test and 30 fences.
Let’s take an early look at the top contenders for the 2025 Grand National:
I Am Maximus
After winning the 2024 Grand National in stunning style, I Am Maximus has established himself as one of the standout staying chasers of his generation. Trained by the masterful Willie Mullins, he handled the unique test of Aintree’s fences with class and confidence in April, powering home to take victory in a competitive renewal.
His proven stamina, excellent jumping technique, and big-race experience make him a strong candidate to join the elite ranks of back-to-back National winners. Mullins himself is clear that’s the aim, with potentially even a hat-trick on the cards in 2026 if all goes as hoped.
As Mullins said recently, “Red Rum won three and Tiger Roll won two and I think JP would be keen to have a horse that won two – and maybe go back for a third. If you don’t try, you don’t succeed so that’s our plan.”
Intense Raffles
Though Intense Raffles didn’t line up in this year’s National, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding has proven himself to be a high-class stayer. Intense Raffles secured a hat-trick of impressive wins earlier this year, most notably winning the Irish National on heavy ground.
Now entering his prime, this versatile chaser has shown enough stamina and ability in marathon handicaps to mark him as a genuine contender for Aintree in 2025.
Under the guidance of Gordon Elliott, a trainer with three Grand National victories to his name, Intense Raffles looks sure to be well-backed when the 2025 National comes around.
Minella Cocooner
Paul Nicholls could have a serious contender in Minella Cocooner. As with Intense Raffles and I Am Maximus, Minella Cocooner has already impressed in the Irish Grand National, coming home third in April before following it up with a big win in the bet365 Gold Cup later that month.
By 2025, Minella Cocooner will be 9 years old, and his blend of stamina and bold jumping style makes him an intriguing prospect for Aintree. If Nicholls can find the right balance in his preparation, Minella Cocooner has every chance of being in the mix.
Corbetts Cross
The talented Corbetts Cross continues to carry significant promise as a potential Grand National winner. Trained by Emmet Mullins, who masterminded Noble Yeats’ shock victory in 2022, Corbetts Cross has the class and versatility required to excel at Aintree.
As a Cheltenham Festival winner, Corbetts Cross has already shown he can excel in front of the biggest crowds. If Mullins can get him in top form through the season, Corbetts Cross could be a real threat in the 2025 National.
Chianti Classico
Kim Bailey proudly describes himself as the only trainer to have won the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle, and Chianti Classico could bring yet more success to his trainer’s yard. His biggest achievement to date is winning the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival, which is particularly noteworthy considering 2023 National winner Corach Rambler is a two-time winner of the same race.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Grand National is shaping up to be another thrilling renewal, with I Am Maximus leading the charge to retain his crown. However, challengers like Intense Raffles, Minella Cocooner and Corbetts Cross are all serious threats with the stamina and jumping ability required to conquer Aintree’s famous fences.
As always with the Grand National, unpredictability is part of its charm, and punters will be keeping a close eye on the markets and the form book as April 2025 approaches. Whatever happens, the race promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the history of this iconic event.
Let the build-up begin!
