Grand National Tips 2025

One of the biggest in the world will take place on the 5th of April at 4 pm at Aintree. It's the race where people bet based on their favourite colour silks or route for the horse with their lucky number, but we will try and decipher the race card and identify a few logical choices.

It will be run over 4 miles and two and a half furlongs and 16 fences, 14 of which are jumped twice. It is the longest jump race in the UK.

This race is where national heroes are made as 150,000 people watch the festival over the three days and, on average, 400-600 million around the world on TV.

VANILLIER

Vanillier is a real eye-catching horse for this race. He had a really unlucky race at Cheltenham last time out in the Cross Country when the jockey seemingly went the wrong way. Finishing third in the end, finishing 8 and 1/4 lengths off the winner Stumptown. The way the horse rallied and finished on strong in that 3 miles 7-furlong affair suggests that the Grand National trip will be of no issue.

Overall he is a really great horse who will have no issue with the distance or fences, which is crucial in a race like this. He is 10 years old now and has plenty of experience running in big races with big crowds. Finished second in the race in 2023 and then 14th last year, this horse should run into the places. While last year's race does pose some questions, that cross-country run last time out does offer hope.

A grey horse has not won since 2012, so those who pick their winners on gut feeling then beware!

STUMPTOWN

Great horse and one that I have always thought would do well in the Grand National. Young and fresh at eight years old is a real bonus. Five of the last winners since 2015 have been the same age as Stumptown suggesting that younger horses are better for this race more than ever.

A win last time out in the Cross Country is a clear indication that Stumptown will go well here. Compared to Tiger Roll by Racing TV is no mean feet after that win. Storming to victory by seven lengths to Latenightpass is something that cannot be ignored.

Something to note for this horse is the preference for soft ground, the softer, the better. On average, the ground has been good to soft, apart from last year, when the ground was soft. Should the ground be perfect and is not too tired after his 24-day break, there is no doubt this horse will be in the mix.

MR VANGO

Originally, he was not a horse I would have considered until seeing his jumping last time out. I wouldn’t say he won the Midlands National in style, but the perseverance and constant good jumping cannot be ignored. He defied top weight last time out over that 4-mile 2-furlong trip, this time he carries 10-2 compared to top weight 11-12 I AM MAXIMUS. Winning at this distance provides no questions on stamina. Stamina is vital in this race and Mr Vango is a proven stayer. He will stay on well when others have tired out.

It is an admittedly easier race and lower level of racing, but jumping to that quality with that weight cannot be ignored. Weight will play a role in this handicap and I don’t think we’ve seen all of Mr Vango just yet. At 9 years old he should be in his prime and this could very well be his year.

Likes good to soft which would be ideal for this race but can also run well on the soft which may prove useful.

Beauport

Arguably a dark horse in the race. Has won the Midlands National in 2023 when jumping right throughout. Beauport has backed up this win and has ran well in grouped races. Has really great stamina and has been consistent in big fields. Went to the Scottish National but pulled up. Came back with a decisive win at Ascot over 3 miles 5 furlongs.

Comes into the race with decent form over longer trips. Has been running at 3 miles to 3 miles 5 furlongs, but appears to do well in longer trips. Will be an interesting horse to watch and should jumping have improved, it could be in a chance for the places. Currently sat in the depths of the market but in my opinion should beat these odds and come within the top places.