Grand National Tips, Runners, Odds & Predictions 2025
The Grand National at Aintree is the most recognised horse race in the world. It is one of Britain's true sporting gems and a contest rightly billed as The People's Race. The event brings together a remarkable number of sports fans. Read to discover competitive odds and expert horse racing betting tips to up your experience during the festival.
Irish Bookmakers for Betting on the Grand National
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🎲 Grand National Ante-Post Betting Odds
A field of 34 runners will take to the Course at Aintree on Saturday, April 5th for the Grand National, with defending champion I Am Maximus set to spearhead the field for the Merseyside marathon. Ahead of the big race, we laid out a side-by-side comparison of the odds based on updated Aintree stats. You can bet that bookmakers will be working hard to get you to pick their odds, offering plenty of free bets and promotions to sweeten the deal.
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⚠️Odds are subject to change. Please check individual bookmarkers before placing your bets.
💡 Grand National Betting Tips Today
The Grand National at Aintree is a unique race, renowned for attracting more betting interest than any other event in horse racing. Below are some Grand National betting tips to consider ahead of raceday:
- I Am Maximus:
The winner of this race last year, I Am Maximus, will be amongst the Grand National runners again as he attempts to do what Tiger Roll did in 2018 and 2019 by defending the crown. He's rated 8lb higher by the handicapper this time, but will only carry an additional 6lb in weight. He was very strong in the finish 12 months ago, much the best on the day, and trainer Willie Mullins has had this race earmarked ever since.
- Three Card Brag:
Trainer Gordon Elliott has won this race three times and could secure a fourth success with Three Card Brag. He's a big, powerful sort whose stamina is his strong suit. His former in beginners' chases this season is highly commendable, and he's thoroughly unexposed over fences. Elliott has been talking up his chances, and he looks a major player for the Cullentra handler ensuring he's worthy of a place amongst our betting tips.
- Threeunderthrufive:
A British-based contender, Threeunderthrufive represents a Paul Nicholls yard fresh off a pleasing Cheltenham Festival. He's a strong stayer and was only just touched off in the Swinley Handicap Chase over 3m at Ascot in February. He has been fourth in a Scottish Grand National and his stamina could be key, while his current Grand National odds make him an attractive bet for Aintree this year.
📃 How Our Are Grand National Betting Tips Selected
Choosing the winner of the Aintree Grand National is challenging, but various trends and statistics from previous winners can help narrow down the 34-horse field to something more manageable.
- Age:
Generally speaking we can condense the field by looking at the age of each runner. The last nine winners were aged between seven and nine-years-old, with Noble Yeats in 2022 the only seven-year-old winner since 1940. Three 11-year-olds won from 2012-2014, but typically the winner will be aged eight or nine.
- Horse Form:
Being in decent form is a prerequisite. Five of the previous 11 winners had won their most recent start, while six of the last 11 had run at the Cheltenham Festival before going to Aintree. Seven of the last 11 winners had run at least once before at Aintree. Each of the last 11 winners had run three times already in that season, with all but two of them having won a race already in the campaign.
- Horse Weight:
The Grand National is a handicap and so each horse carries a weight that theoretically gives it a chance to win based on known ability. Since the year 2000 all bar two winners have carried between 10st 3lb and 11st 5lb, with Many Clouds and I Am Maximus the exceptions.
- Class Ratings:
An official rating between 146 and 160 would have helped identify the Grand National winner in nine of the previous 11 runnings. Classier horses have started to target this race, but last year's winner, I Am Maximus, has a rating of 169 this time around, illustrating the scale of the task ahead for him.
- Distance:
Stamina is a must for the Aintree spectacular. Having form at three-miles+ over fences is almost essential, while eight winners in the last 11 runnings had won at least one race over three miles or more. Even then, the four-and-a-quarter-mile test awaiting at Aintree will be a step into the unknown for most horses.
🏇 Grand National Predictions
⚡Sportsbooks for Betting on the Grand National
Betting on the Grand National offers more choice than any other race in the year. Different bookmakers offer varying place terms, odds, specials and more in the countdown to the big race. Punters should consider the best betting sites for their needs, then make an informed choice. Before you decide, have a look at these options and our bookmaker reviews.
Boylesports
Boylesports is a titan of the Irish bookmaking market, and new customers can avail of their Bet 10 Get 30 in Free Bets offer. They offer lots of daily specials on horse racing across Britain and Ireland, and are already offering FIVE places each-way on the Grand National at Aintree. Find out more about Boylesports in our detailed review of this Irish giant.
Spreadex
Spreadex is a leading sports and financial spread betting, sports fixed odds betting and casino betting firm, based in state-of-the-art trading rooms in St Albans, Hertfordshire and is committed to the Irish betting market for sports including horse racing. With the Grand National looming, they are offering FIVE places for each-way punters on the big race, and new customers can take full advantage of their Bet €10 and get up to €60 in bonuses offer.
LeoVegas
LeoVegas is one of a host of top online operators offering betting to punters in Ireland. They've won several awards including Mobile Operator of the Year, in the past and offer lots of markets on top sports, including horse racing. They are already offering FIVE places each-way on the Grand National at Aintree, and new customers can avail of their Get €30 worth of Free Bets offer upon signing up. You can learn more about LeoVegas in our detailed review.
📊 Aintree Racecourse Key Facts
Aintree is one of the world's most iconic jumps racecourses and a proud beacon of sporting tradition in the city of Liverpool. The triangular-shaped National circuit boasts a circumference of two miles and two furlongs, with a long run-in of 494 yards after the final fence. Some of the famous obstacles on the National Course include Becher's Brook, The Chair, Foinavon and The Canal Turn – names synonymous with the Grand National. The Grand National is run over two complete circuits, taking in sixteen spruce fences first time round and fourteen the second and still provides one of the toughest tests ever devised for horse and rider.
Over the years, the race has been modified to uphold the highest standards of safety for both humans and horses. While the National fences are no longer as daunting as they once were, their spruce-lined tops remain a unique feature of Aintree, making them instantly recognizable to a global television audience. This prestigious race is broadcast to billions of viewers around the world each year.
📊 Randox Grand National Event Schedule
View the race day and timings for the Randox Grand National 2025.
Opening Day - Thursday 3rd April 2025
Day 2 - Ladies Day - Friday 4th April 2025
Day 3 - Grand National Day - Saturday 5th April 2025
The biggest race of the festival, the Randox Grand National Steeple Chase, is a true test of stamina and skill. Run over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs with 30 fences to navigate, it’s a race that has made and broken punters in Ireland for generations.
🎯 Grand National Jockey & Trainer Statistics
Home to the world-famous Grand National, Aintree's three-day April Festival is one of the highlights in the National Hunt horse racing calendar, which stands second only to Cheltenham in terms of importance in the UK. There are also major meetings held at the Liverpool layout in November and December, as well as a finale evening meeting in May.
Below is a list of the top trainers and jockeys at Aintree (all meetings) over the last five seasons.
Top Jockeys and Trainers
Certain trainers and jockeys excel at some tracks more than others. If you are looking to have a Grand National flutter, you may opt to consider which trainers and jockeys do best at the course in recent years.
🅱️BetInIreland’s Wrap-Up
The Grand National is one of the most challenging races in the world to win, making it equally difficult for bettors to pick a winner. To increase your chances of selecting the Grand National victor, it's essential to study the race's form, past trends, and relevant statistics. Additionally, consider the expert tips provided by industry professionals. Before placing your bets, be sure to explore our recommended Grand National betting tips, sites and take advantage of the best promotions and offers available.
❓ GRAND NATIONAL BETTING FAQS
What is an Ante-post bet on the Grand National?
Ante-post bets on the Grand National are those placed well in advance of the race happening, typically anything before final declarations, which are made 48 hours before the race. If you bet ante-post and your horse does not run in the race, the bet is settled as a loser.
Where can I watch the Grand National 2025 in Ireland?
The Grand National will be shown live on Virgin Media television in Ireland, broadcasting the same terrestrial ITV Racing coverage as is shown in the UK. The race can also be viewed on subscription channel Racing TV.
What are the best bookmakers for betting on the Grand National in Ireland?
There are lots of betting options for punters to consider ahead of the Grand National. It's important to be well informed and choose the best bookmaker, assessing the various racing offers and sign-up bonuses before choosing what is best for your Aintree betting needs.
What is the Aintree Festival all about?
Aintree's big spring festival provides three days of stunning jumps racing, all of which leads to the centrepiece, the Grand National itself on Saturday afternoon. The race is referred to as The People's Race and draws together punters like no other sporting event.
How to pick the winner of the Grand National
There are many ways to pick the winner, but using past trends is the most efficient, as age, weight, form, rating, and previous form can help to greatly reduce the field of 34 Aintree hopefuls down to just a few that fit the criteria of a possible Grand National winner.
Enda McElhinney
Enda McElhinney is an Irish-based sportswriter, specialising in written content on the GAA, horse racing and football. He has more than a decade of experience across many publications, bringing a wealth of knowledge and betting nous to his craft. You'll find his content featured on many websites, including The Telegraph and Planet Sport. When he isn't at this desk or the racecourse, he loves to unwind on the golf course – though sometimes that can be more stressful than working!