Why tune into Grand National tips? With a whopping million pounds up for grabs and the prestige of winning the planet's most renowned horse race, this event promises to be more thrilling than a photo finish. Even seasoned bettors might find a little guidance handy. We’ve done the legwork to sift through the finest odds, cherry-pick the top offers, and bring you expert betting tips to keep you ahead of the pack.
- 1 Early Betting Lines for the Grand National
- 2 Grand National Betting Tips Today
- 3 Our Methodology for Determining Grand National Betting Recommendations
- 4 Performance Insights for Jockeys and Trainers in the Grand National
- 5 Aintree Racecourse Tips
- 6 Leading Bookmakers for Wagering on the Grand National
- 7 Grand National Key Stats & Facts
- 8 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 9 Grand National Betting FAQS
Early Betting Lines for the Grand National
The initial field for the Grand National starts with 87 contenders, but only 34 will make it to race day. So, unless you've got a strong feeling about a long shot, keeping your bets on the likely participants might be your best move. With that said, here are the top 20 frontrunners according to the bookies, along with the leading ante-post odds.
| Horse | Ante-Post Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Inothewayurthinkin | 8/1 | Ladbrokes |
| I am Maximus | 12/1 | bet365 |
| Iroko | 14/1 | bet365 |
| Intense Raffles | 14/1 | Coral |
| Minella Cocooner | 20/1 | bet365 |
| Nick Rockett | 16/1 | BetVictor |
| Stumptown | 20/1 | Betfred |
| Meetingofthewaters | 25/1 | Coral |
| Kandoo Kid | 25/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Perceval Legallois | 25/1 | LiveScoreBet |
| Vanillier | 33/1 | Betway |
| Three Card Brag | 33/1 | Spreadex |
| Monbeg Genius | 33/1 | Coral |
| Montys Star | 33/1 | Unibet |
| Grangeclare West | 33/1 | Unibet |
| Beauport | 40/1 | Unibet |
| Galvin | 33/1 | bet365 |
| Broadway Boy | 40/1 | Betway |
| Delta Work | 50/1 | Unibet |
| Hyland | 50/1 | bet365 |
Look for NRNB Insurance
The Non-Runner No Bet offer is a safety net ensuring a refund if the horse you backed in Early Markets doesn't compete. With more than half of the original entries missing out, it's a crucial insight for Grand National punters. Big names like BetVictor, Parimatch, and Betfred feature this offer prominently on their promo pages. If in doubt, a quick chat with customer support will confirm if your ante-post wager is shielded by NRNB.
Grand National Betting Tips Today
Racing aficionados know that the Grand National is the crown jewel of three days packed with elite racing action . The drawback is, at present, ante-post odds are only being offered for the legendary 4+ mile main event. So, until the declarations come in for the supporting races, our Grand National tips will focus on this iconic race alone. But rest assured, as soon as we get a whiff of the rest, we'll be on it faster than Red Rum could finish a box of Polo Mints.
Grand National Betting Tips, Day 1 – The Opening Showcase at Aintree (Thursday 3rd April. Doors open at 11 am)
We kickstart with seven exhilarating showdowns at Aintree where the crème de la crème of equine stars strut their stuff. From the Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Chase to the William Hill Aintree Hurdle, it's a stage set for brilliance – featuring emerging talent making their mark on one of Britain’s legendary courses and seasoned veterans chasing triumph in high-octane contests.
The headliner today is the illustrious Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase , which featured an impressive 22 runners last year. Its prominence and fierce rivalry could tempt even the savviest of bettors with some of the most competitive odds in the Grand National.
| Start Times | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.45pm | The Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Category 1), Grade 1 | 2m 4f |
| 2.20pm | The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Category 1), Grade 1 | 2m 1f |
| 2.55pm | The William Hill Bowl Steeple Chase (Category 1), Grade 1 | 3m 1f |
| 3.30pm | The William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Category 1), Grade 1 | 2m 4f |
| 4.05pm | The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase | 2m 5f |
| 4.40pm | The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Category 1), Grade 3 | 2m |
| 5.15pm | The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2) | 2m 1f |
Grand National Betting Tips, Day 2 – Ladies Day at Aintree (Friday 3rd April. Gates open at 10:30 am)
Ladies Day brings with it an allure of elegance, fashion, and downright fun. Who doesn't love dressing to the nines? But it’s not just about appearances; it’s an action-packed day. How could it not be with the infamous Mildmay Novices’ Chase kicking things off? Last year, Inothewayurthinkin left others trailing over 3 miles and a furlong, and the day wraps with a thrilling amateur struggle in The Handicap Hurdle.
Though we’re currently holding off on tips for Ladies Day, it’s a genuine celebration spanning the spectrum of the sport. Much like the eye-catching hats that have become the hallmark of the occasion, it’s teeming with potential.
| Start Times | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.45pm | The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Category 1), Grade 1 | 3m 1f |
| 2.20pm | The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Category 1), Grade 3 | 2m 4f |
| 2.55pm | The TrustATrader Top Novices’ Hurdle (Category 1), Grade 1 | 2m ½f |
| 3.30pm | The My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1) | 2m 4f |
| 4.05pm | The Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Chase (Grade 3) | 2m 5f |
| 4.40pm | The Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Category 1), Grade 1 | 3m ½ f |
| 5.15pm | The Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle (Category 2) (Conditional & Amateur Jockeys) | 2m ½ f |
Grand National Tips, Day 3 – The Grand Day at Aintree (Saturday 4th April. Gates open at 10 am)
Here it is. The showpiece moment: British racing’s most revered, prestigious, and exhilarating day. At the heart of the event is the monumental Randox Grand National Steeple Chase – a daunting four-mile trek featuring 30 fences separating the runners from claiming their place in history .
But that's just brushing the surface. The day is also stacked with six more enthralling races , each offering its distinct challenges. Among them are the William Hill Handicap Hurdle, the JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle, and the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open NH Flat Race, all promising top-tier competition.
We’ll provide Grand National predictions and thoughts on every race as soon as the lineup is confirmed. Meanwhile, feast on our insights for the headline attraction of them all.
Inothewayurthinkin for Grand National Glory (8/1 odds to triumph with Ladbrokes)
We’re siding with the bookmakers on this one. Inothewayurthinkin’s preparation for the Grand National has been fantastic – including last year’s victory in the Milkmay Novices Chase . Given that the ground was soft, his ability to power through a tough race is undeniable, and with a 3 miles 1-furlong test featuring 19 fences, it was as authentic a rehearsal as one can get for the Grand National. What’s even more impressive is he didn’t deliver a flawless performance – yet still dominated the field. Another year of challenging National Hunt races in his experience, coupled with another triumph at Aintree in April, make the odds on this favorite very compelling.
Nick Rockett for a Top Finish in the Grand National (16/1 odds thanks to BetVictor)
Backing Nick Rockett for both a win and place across races would have proven fruitful four out of seven times. Especially notable is his performance following a 244-day layoff in December. He clinched fourth in a grueling 27-runner heat at Leopardstown, then followed it with a gritty win at Gowran Park, a circuit demanding 17 tough fences from competitors. All signals suggest a strong outing, and with bookmakers extending place terms to the fourth spot, our Grand National tips couldn't be more promising. At 16/1, an each-way wager is a tremendous option – £10 could deliver between £30 and £200 in earnings!
Three Card Brag for a Top Four Conclusion in the Grand National (33/1 odds via Spreadex)
The bookies might have misjudged this one. True, Three Card Brag has juggled jockeys and only managed seventh at Leopardstown last December, yet he’s placed five out of seven races, including a memorable win at Navan on soft terrain with 17 fences. Despite the likelihood of a new jockey stepping in following Jordan Gainford’s injury, we trust that Gordon Elliott’s guidance and the horse's prowess will ensure a top-four finish. At 33/1, this each-way punt could see a profit between £72.50 and £412.50, marking it as one of our standout picks among the Grand National betting tips today.
Easily Compute Your Each-Way Returns Using Our Bet Calculator
Calculating whether a place outcome will pay off with an each-way stake can be quite the headache, which is why we've developed this nifty each-way betting calculator tool to handle those calculations for you. Simply input the crucial details, and you'll have no trouble understanding any of the Grand National Each-Way Betting Tips for 2025.
| Start Times | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.20pm | The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Category 1), Grade 3 | 3m ½f |
| 1.55pm | The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Category 1), Grade 1 | 2m 4f |
| 2.30pm | The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (Category 1), Grade 3 | 3m 1f |
| 3.05pm | The JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Category 1), Grade 1 | 3m ½f |
| 4.00pm | The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) | 4m 2½f |
| 5.00pm | The My Pension Expert Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Category 1), Grade 1 | 2m |
| 5.35pm | The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) | 2m 1f |
Our Methodology for Determining Grand National Betting Recommendations
We wish we could declare that our Grand National tips appear by magic, that we're gifted horse whisperers communicating directly with these magnificent creatures, or that we have visions of victors galloping triumphantly across the finish line in dreams.
But in reality, it's about thorough analysis. We delve deeply into the vital aspects, much like we do for Cheltenham predictions any significant event. By doing so, you’ll find it easier to spot winners and compare the value of various odds, helping you unearth the best deals for Grand National betting.
For the Grand National, horses must be at least seven years old, while some races at the Randox Grand National Festival are open to six-year-olds. Although seven to ten is the sweet spot for most horses' peak performance, older horses remain competitive, as seen with two victors over eleven: Amberleigh House (2004) and Royal Athlete (1995).
For racing enthusiasts, picking horses that have a proven track record in top-tier, Grade 1 events often yields better results, especially since newcomers can find the jump in class quite challenging. But if we're talking about races that aren't at that level, sometimes it's advantageous to go for horses that are stepping down a class, given that they've battled more intense competition before.
When it comes to predicting a horse's potential, its past performances at equivalent distances stand out as particularly crucial. For instance, when eyeing up potential contenders for the Grand National, horses accustomed to tackling distances of 3 miles or more really catch our attention. Yet, for specific events like The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2), expertise in shorter sprints is a key asset.
To put it plainly, observing how a horse has performed lately is essential—especially if it's shown resilience on similar tracks against formidable opponents, this serves as a strong indicator of potential triumph in upcoming races.
The Grand National presents its unique challenge as a handicap race, adding varying weights to horses based on their capabilities to level the playing field. Over time, this has led to victories for horses of diverse sizes. What's critical is how they've previously fared in similar handicap steeplechases. Meanwhile, in races like The JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1, lighter horses can have an edge due to softer ground conditions.
Faced with the Grand National's unparalleled challenges, horses that have shone in similar, rigorous conditions are invaluable. If they've managed to adapt and still shine across varied scenarios, they become even more appealing.
Aintree Racecourse is notorious for its soft ground, making it essential to consider a horse's performance on soggy grass, especially as rainfall can transform a tough race into an endurance battle. Betting without this insight might leave you at a disadvantage.
The Grand National doesn’t shy away from challenges, given its combination of soft ground, demanding distance, a slew of competitors, and 30 daunting fences. Thus, having a horse familiar with tackling the most grueling steeplechases in the nation, like the Cheltenham Gold Cup, is indispensable. While other races may not demand such resilience, performance on similar tracks remains pivotal. Scottish Grand National Assembling top picks for the Grand National requires looking beyond just the horse—there's much more at play with the trainer and jockey too. Many casual bettors overlook the trainer's influence, but their role is pivotal. Consider someone like Aidan O’Brien: he's practically conquered every flat race in England, so seeing his name behind a horse in familiar territory demands attention. Trainers are key figures, orchestrating everything from the horse's diet to its race strategies , ensuring it's in prime condition.
Performance Insights for Jockeys and Trainers in the Grand National
And the jockey, let's not undervalue their contribution—they're the ones guiding the horse, adjusting the pace, and executing race plans. Like a pilot to a plane, the right jockey can steer you to favorable outcomes in the Grand National odds. Prioritize two things: the jockey's historical success under similar conditions and their rapport with the horse. If their partnership is time-tested, all the better.
At the heart of our Grand National strategy lies a comprehensive analysis: we scoured data to identify the top 10 jump jockeys and trainers based on their victories post May 4th, 2024 . Tapping into this expertise can prove crucial for your selection. If their names don’t appear on this list, don’t fret—trainer and jockey information for your chosen contender should be readily accessible from your bookmaker or general race details.
Top 10 Jump Jockeys and Trainers
Over the last three decades, 8 out of the 30 Grand National winners (26.6%) were aged over 10.
| Ranking | Jockey | Wins | Rides | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Bowen | 139 | 729 | 19% |
| 2 | Harry Skelton | 123 | 532 | 23.1% |
| 3 | Sam Twiston-Davies | 90 | 520 | 17.3% |
| 4 | Harry Cobden | 79 | 359 | 22% |
| 5 | Gavin Sheehan | 77 | 435 | 17.7% |
| 6 | James Bowen | 67 | 364 | 18.4% |
| 7 | Brian Hughes | 61 | 565 | 10.7% |
| 8 | Jonathan Burke | 58 | 387 | 14.9% |
| 9 | Ben Jones | 56 | 347 | 16.1% |
| 10 | Jack Tudor | 52 | 349 | 14.8% |
| Ranking | Trainer | Wins | Runs | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dan Skelton | 145 | 754 | 19.2% |
| 2 | Olly Murphy | 101 | 448 | 22.5% |
| 3 | Paul Nichols | 71 | 382 | 18.5% |
| 4 | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 61 | 351 | 17.3% |
| 5 | Jonjo & AJ O’ Neil | 61 | 433 | 14% |
| 6 | Fergel O’Brien | 57 | 461 | 12.3% |
| 7 | Nicky Henderson | 55 | 273 | 20.1% |
| 8 | Joe Tizzard | 54 | 286 | 18.8% |
| 9 | Ben Pauling | 47 | 293 | 16% |
| 10 | Venetia Williams | 37 | 194 | 19% |
Grand National Latest Trends
Remarkably, only one horse has clinched victory more than once in the past thirty years (3.3%)—Tiger Roll with its stellar consecutive wins in 2018 and 2019.
Among the winning jockeys since 1995, merely 5 out of 25 (20%) have crossed the finish line first on more than one occasion.
In the sphere of back-to-back wins, a mere 2 jockeys (8%) have achieved this feat: Davy Russell in 2018 and 2019, and Leighton Aspell in 2014 and 2015.
A notable 16 out of the previous 30 victors (53.3%) have completed the Grand National in less than 9 minutes and 15 seconds.
A staggering 24 of the last 30 winners (80%) defied the odds, claiming victory despite having an implied probability of less than 10%.
It's quite telling that the favorite has only managed to win twice in the last half-century (4%), underscoring the sheer unpredictability of the Grand National.
In preparing for the Grand National, understanding the course is paramount. While Aintree's National Course might look straightforward at first, its challenging obstacles and conditions are a different story altogether. The track is punctuated by four major turns , with the standout being the 90-degree left ‘Canal Turn’. However, it’s those long stretches that truly test a horse's stamina, particularly when rain turns the ground heavy.
Aintree Racecourse Tips
Of course, there are the notorious fences to contend with. Sixteen in total , each bringing its own challenges. For instance, the third fence is infamous due to its open ditch drop—a tricky task that resulted in a tragedy in 2019. Fences like the Becher’s Brook at fence 6 and the one just before the Canal Turn at fence 8, pose intense tests for both jumping and turning.
An iconic obstacle on the course is the Chair— standing a formidable 5 feet 2 inches with an expansive 6-foot ditch below , it’s one of the most daunting jumps. To top it off, the final hurdle ends with a splash at The Water Jump. And for the thrill-seekers of The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase, this challenge is faced twice. With its unique obstacles, vast track, and demanding ground, the race is one of the most challenging on the global stage.
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Grand National Key Stats & Facts
ThePuntersPage Final Say
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