Six Contenders Vie for Top Spot in 2025 Grand National Betting

By Lewis Barnett 31 March, 2025 6 mins read 28 Views

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Stumptown Leads the Charge as Bookmakers Grapple with Choices

The anticipation for the 2025 Grand National is building, with bookmakers facing a fierce challenge in selecting a clear favourite. Gavin Cromwell's Stumptown, a standout performer from the Cheltenham Festival, has captured significant attention from punters, positioning him as a formidable contender in the betting market.

Intense Raffles and Iroko Close the Gap

Stumptown isn't the only horse drawing substantial betting interest. Intense Raffles, the reigning Irish Grand National champion, maintains strong support as a long-standing ante-post favourite. Close behind, the British hopeful Iroko stands out at 8-1, solidifying his status as the top British contender in the race.

Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus Joins the Fray

Adding to the competitive field, Willie Mullins has positioned his defending champion, I Am Maximus, at 9-1 with Coral. Mullins' strategic moves have kept bettors intrigued, especially after withdrawing another promising horse from the lineup.

Potential Dark Horses Hewick and Vanillier Eye Favourite Status

Bookmakers are also keeping a close watch on Hewick and Vanillier, both rated at 10-1. Hewick, known for his impressive performance in the King George, brings a touch of charisma with his fondness for a pint of Guinness, while Vanillier continues to build momentum as a potential leading contender.

Final Runners Narrow as Preparations Intensify

The roster for the Grand National is becoming more defined as additional horses are withdrawn or barred from participation. Ahead of the final declarations due by 10am on Thursday, several trainers have made critical decisions to streamline their entries.

Key Withdrawals Shake Up the Lineup

Willie Mullins has pulled Capodanno from the race, and Venetia Williams has confirmed that L'Homme Presse will not be competing. Additionally, Cromwell and Donald McCain have opted out of entries with Velvet Elvis and Minella Drama respectively, while Williams has also removed longshots Fontaine Collanges and Quick Wave.

Mr Incredible Banned Amid Start Disruptions Concerns

Trainer Sandy Thomson faced a setback as Mr Incredible was barred from running, following concerns that the horse might disrupt the race's start. This decision underscores the importance of maintaining order and safety in one of Britain's most prestigious horse races.

Bookmakers Remain Optimistic Despite Tight Competition

David Stevens of Coral commented on the dynamic betting landscape, stating that the market for this year's Randox Grand National remains open. He highlighted that while Intense Raffles and Stumptown currently hold the top spots, several other contenders could emerge as favourites as the race day approaches.

Battle for the Final Spot Heats Up

The competition for the 34th and final position in the race is particularly intense. Harry Redknapp's Shakem Up'Arry is competing against Gordon Elliott's Duffle Coat and Patrick Griffin's Roi Mage for the last available entry. With Duffle Coat boasting the highest rating among the trio, he appears poised to secure the final spot.

Confirmed Runners Set for Grand National 2025

The final lineup for the 2025 Grand National includes a diverse group of horses, each bringing their unique strengths to the race. The confirmed runners are:

I Am Maximus
Royale Pagaille
Nick Rockett
Grangeclare West
Hewick
Minella Indo
Appreciate It
Minella Cocooner
Conflated
Stumptown
Hitman
Beauport
Bravemansgame
Chantry House
Threeunderthrufive
Perceval Legallois
Kandoo Kid
Iroko
Intense Raffles
Senior Chief
Idas Boy
Fil Dor
Broadway Boy
Coko Beach
Stay Away Fay
Meetingofthewaters
Monbeg Genius
Vanillier
Horantzau D'Airy
Hyland
Celebre D'Allen
Three Card Brag
Twig
Duffle Coat

As the final preparations for the Grand National conclude, all eyes remain on the contenders as they gear up for one of the most exhilarating events in the horse racing calendar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What role does a steward play in horse races?

Stewards are responsible for ensuring that all horse racing is conducted in a fair and legal manner, according to the racing rules. They are responsible for overseeing the conduct of jockeys, trainers, and other racing personnel, monitoring the races for any rule infringements, and holding inquiries into any incidents or objections. The Stewards are also empowered to impose penalties for any rule violation, including fines or suspensions.

What does it mean to describe a horse as a "stayer" in racing terms

In racing terms, a 'stayer' is a horse that excels in racing over long distances. Usually, these distances go beyond one mile. Stayers are required to have both speed and endurance, in order for them to maintain a high pace throughout long races. Renowned stayers are often seen competing in long-distance events such as the Ascot Gold Cup.

What are 'Classics' in UK horse racing?

In UK horse racing, 'Classics" refers to five prestigious races considered to be the highest-ranking contests for thoroughbreds aged three years. The 2,000 Guineas (also known as the 1,000 Guineas), The Epsom Derby (also called The Epsom Oaks), and The St. Leger Stakes make up this series. Wining one of the Classics is a great achievement for a racehorse. And winning all three races of a gender is rare and historic.

What does the word "Going" mean in horse racing?

'Going' refers to the condition of the racecourse's surface on the day of a race. The 'Going' is an important aspect that can impact the performance of the horse and the result of a race. The Going' is a range of conditions, from heavy (indicating a soft, wet surface) to firm (indicating a dry, hard surface). Between these are several different grades, including good to soft (soft), good to firm (firm), and hard. Trainers and jockeys must consider the 'Going' when deciding on racing strategy and equipment, such as the choice of horseshoes for better grip.

How does the handicapping system work in UK Horse Racing?

The handicap system in UK horse racing is designed to ensure that every horse has an equal chance at winning. In essence, horses are given different weights during the race depending on their past performance. The heavier the weight, the better for horses that have a good past performance. The British Horseracing Authority in the UK is responsible to update ratings after the race results.

What is meant by the term "photo finish" in horse racing

In a 'photofinish', two or more horses are so close to each other that it's impossible to tell who won with the naked eyes. In such cases, race officials utilize a finish-line cam that takes images at high speeds in order to examine the exact moment when each horse's face reaches line. Officials can accurately determine the order of finish by using the photo finish image.

Statistics

The Grand National at Aintree boasts a prize fund of around £1 million, making it the most valuable jump race in Europe.
In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.
The annual Cheltenham Festival has an economic impact of over £100 million for the local Gloucestershire economy.
Around 14,000 thoroughbred foals are born each year in the UK with the goal of becoming top racehorses.
There are over 8,000 active racehorse owners in the UK, ranging from royals to common citizens.

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How To

How to choose a winning horse in UK racing

When choosing a winning horse, you need to analyze the form. This includes the horse's previous performance, race distance, track surface, as well as the trainer and jockey's record of success. Review the horses' most recent races and focus on those who consistently finish in the top 3. Check if the horse is suitable for the race distance, and if it has done well in similar conditions. Check the win and place statistics for both the jockey and trainer to assess their track record. While there's no foolproof system to select a win, doing your research will improve your chances.