Last year’s hero I Am Maximus heads the 90 entries unveiled on Tuesday for the 2025 Randox Grand National. The £1-million world famous steeplechase takes place for the 177th time at Aintree on Saturday April 5. The defending champion is the Willie Mullins-trained I Am Maximus who has been introduced 10-1 favourite by official betting partner William Hill.
Iroko, like I Am Maximus also owned by billionaire JP McManus, is next in the market 14-1, cut from 16-1 following his eye-catching run at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day. Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles is yet to be seen over fences this season and is joint-third in the betting with recent Thyestes Chase winner Nick Rockett at 16-1.
At bigger prices, Paul Nicholls’ Kandoo Kid is a popular selection at 25-1, as is Grand Sefton hero King Turgeon, available to back with William Hill at 40-1. Kandoo Kid is a potential mount for champion jockey Harry Cobden who is seeking a first success having been out of luck in six rides in the Randox Grand National so far, faring best when 14th aboard Just A Par in 2017.
He said: “The Grand National is every jockey’s dream. The two races I want to win are the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National.”. Kandoo Kid’s trainer Nicholls, who saddled the 2012 Grand National hero Neptune Collonges, also has Bravemansgame, Hitman, Stay Away Fay and Threeunderthrufive in the race.
Assessing his possible chances, Cobden said: “I’ve had a few rides in the race but not really ridden a horse with a serious chance. This year it looks like we have a horse or two entered with a real serious live chance of winning, although you need luck in running of course.
