Grand National 2025: Race Times, Top Contenders, and How to Watch Live

Grand National 2025: The Ultimate Guide

The Grand National is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, attracting millions of viewers annually. Held at Aintree Racecourse, the 2025 edition promises thrilling competition with last year’s winner, I Am Maximus, attempting to defend his title. Here’s everything you need to know about the event.

Race Details & Schedule

The 2025 Grand National will take place on Saturday, 5 April, with the main race starting at 16:00 BST. It is part of a three-day festival that kicks off on Thursday, 3 April.

Key Races Across the Three Days:

Thursday, 3 April – Opening Day

• 13:45 – Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
• 14:20 – Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 14:55 – Aintree Bowl Chase (Grade 1)
• 15:30 – Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 16:05 – Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase

Friday, 4 April – Ladies Day

• 13:45 – Mildmay Novices' Chase
• 14:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle
• 14:55 – Top Novices' Hurdle
• 15:30 – Melling Chase (Grade 1)
• 16:05 – Topham Chase (Featured on BBC Radio 5 Live)

Saturday, 5 April – Grand National Day

• 13:20 – Handicap Hurdle
• 13:55 – Mersey Novices' Hurdle
• 14:30 – Handicap Chase
• 15:05 – Liverpool Hurdle
• 16:00 – Randox Grand National (Main Race)

How to Watch: BBC Coverage

The BBC will provide extensive coverage of the Grand National, including:

• Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live
• Text updates on the BBC Sport website & app
• Four races on Ladies Day (Friday) covered on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

ITV and Racing TV will also broadcast the event live.

Top Contenders for 2025

The field for the 2025 Grand National includes some of the finest racehorses:

• I Am Maximus (2024 Winner) – Trained by Willie Mullins, aiming for back-to-back victories.
• Iroko & Perceval Legallois – Strong contenders under the ownership of JP McManus.
• Vanillier & Stumptown – Gavin Cromwell’s stable stars, including a Cheltenham winner.
• Hewick (Bargain buy at £800) – A potential dark horse.

Grand National Course & Prize Money

The Aintree course is one of the most demanding in racing:

• Two laps covering 4.25 miles
• 30 fences, including Becher’s Brook and The Chair
• Average completion time: 9–11 minutes

Prize Pool (£1 Million)

• 1st place: £500,000
• 2nd place: £200,000
• 3rd place: £100,000
• 4th–10th places: £65,000–£5,000

Weather Forecast & Recent Winners

Mild and dry conditions (16°C–18°C) are expected, ensuring a good to soft track.

Recent Winners

• 2024: I Am Maximus (7/1)
• 2023: Corach Rambler (8/1)
• 2022: Noble Yeats (50/1)
• 2021: Minella Times (11/1)
• 2019-18: Tiger Roll (4/1 & 14/1)

Conclusion

The 2025 Grand National will be an unmissable spectacle, featuring elite horses, fierce competition, and thrilling drama. Don't miss live coverage on BBC and ITV for all the action!