Grand National Horses 2025 – Runners, Results and Winner

The 2025 Grand National delivered a stunning upset at Aintree on April 5, when Nick Rockett crossed the finish line first, defying 33/1 odds in one of the most dramatic editions in recent memory. Thirty-four runners entered the famous Becher’s Brook course, with sixteen managing to complete the grueling four-mile, four-and-a-half-furlong journey. The result sent shockwaves through the racing community and provided fans with a memorable underdog story.

For those tracking the Grand National horses 2025, this article provides the complete runners list, official finishing order, and analysis of how the race unfolded. Beyond the immediate results, we also examine the broader context of grey horses in the 2025 field, present the full historical winners record, and look ahead to what the 2026 Grand National horses might bring.

Whether you are searching for a printable Grand National runners list, curious about which grey horses featured in 2025, or simply want to understand the full picture of this year’s event, the following sections cover everything you need to know.

Grand National 2025 Runners: Full List of Horses

The Grand National 2025 featured a competitive field of 34 starters drawn from yards across Britain and Ireland. Pre-race betting markets identified several prominent contenders, with Stumptown leading the market at 8/1, followed closely by Iroko at 17/2 and Intense Raffles at 9/1. I Am Maximus, the reigning champion, attracted support at 10/1 alongside Hewick at the same odds.

The complete runners list extended well beyond the favorites. Trainers Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, and Joseph O’Brien all sent serious contenders to Aintree, reflecting the growing dominance of Irish-trained horses in the world’s greatest steeplechase, a trend documented extensively by British Horseracing. The field included established performers and rising talents, creating a diverse mix of experience and youth.

Key insights from the 2025 Grand National runners:

• Nick Rockett delivered Willie Mullins a third consecutive training victory, continuing an remarkable streak of dominance at Aintree
• The Mullins family completed a remarkable family double, with Patrick Mullins riding the winner in what many called a perfect ride
• Sixteen of the original thirty-four runners finished the course, reflecting the demanding nature of the Aintree fences
• Iroko, the pre-race second favorite, finished fourth despite prominent positioning throughout
• Three horses fell during the race, with several others pulled up by their jockeys before the finish
• The 33/1 winning price matched the longest winner’s odds since Tiger Roll’s victory earlier in the decade
• Duffle Coat suffered an unseating at the third fence, ending the race early for that runner

The official results demonstrate the continued strength of the Willie Mullins operation, with four horses finishing in the top ten. Additional runners who completed the course include Horantzau D’Airy (13th), Vanillier (14th), Bravemansgame (15th), and Chantry House (16th). Full results are available through The Jockey Club.

Who Won the Grand National 2025?

Nick Rockett claimed victory in the 2025 Grand National, delivering a career-defining performance under the guidance of amateur jockey Patrick Mullins. The nine-year-old brown gelding, trained by Willie Mullins at Closutton, defied his 33/1 odds to record a famous win that cemented his place in Aintree history.

Nick Rockett’s Path to Victory

The race unfolded with typical chaos as the field charged toward the first fence. Nick Rockett settled into a handy position early, avoiding the trouble that claimed several fancied runners before halfway. Patrick Mullins, the son of trainer Willie Mullins, executed a patient waiting race that paid dividends as the field began to string out.

Approaching the penultimate fence, the outcome remained uncertain with multiple horses still in contention. Nick Rockett produced a strong leap, quickening away from I Am Maximus in the final furlong to win by three and a quarter lengths. The margin provided reassurance that the victory was no fluke.

The 2025 Grand National Result

The official result saw Nick Rockett cross the line first, earning the winner’s prize of £500,000. I Am Maximus, attempting to become the first horse since Red Rum to win three consecutive Grand Nationals, finished second at 7/1. Grangeclare West claimed third place at 33/1, with Iroko fourth despite being the pre-race second favorite.

The winning time reflected the demanding conditions, with the testing fences taking their toll on the field. Sixteen of the original thirty-four runners completed the course, demonstrating the relentless nature of Aintree’s challenges.

Grand National Grey Horses 2025

The 2025 Grand National runners list did not feature any prominent grey horses among its top finishers or noted entries. Available sources and official race reports do not highlight grey horses in significant finishing positions or as particularly notable entries for the 2025 event.

Historically, grey horses have made occasional appearances in Grand National history, with Auroras Encore and Mr. Bloomfield achieving notable success in earlier decades. However, the 2025 edition did not continue this tradition in any prominent fashion.

Those seeking grey horses among the 2025 Grand National runners may need to look beyond the official results table, as no grey horses featured prominently in the finishing order or pre-race market discussions. Future editions may see a return of grey horses to Aintree, as trainers occasionally target the race with horses of this coloration.

Grand National Winners: Full Historical List

The Grand National winners list below showcases recent results, demonstrating the evolving landscape of National Hunt racing’s premier event. The most recent winners reflect the growing competitiveness of Irish-trained horses, with Willie Mullins emerging as the dominant force in the current era.

Notable Grand National Trends

The historical pattern reveals several significant trends. Willie Mullins has established an unprecedented run of success, winning four of the last five renewals. His ability to prepare horses for the unique Aintree challenge has revolutionized approaches to the race.

The 2026 winner, I Am Maximus, became only the fourth horse in history to win three Grand Nationals, joining the legendary company of Red Rum, Ginger Alden, and Alydar. This achievement underlines the remarkable consistency of Paul Townend and the Willie Mullins stable.

Grand National 2026 Horses and Predictions

The 2026 Grand National attracted 78 initial entries, with 49 coming from Irish yards, demonstrating continued cross-channel competition for the world’s most valuable handicap chase, as reported by Racing Post. The maximum field of 34 runners will once again test the best steeplechasers from Britain and Ireland.

Early 2026 Contenders

Pre-race analysis identified several horses expected to feature prominently in the Grand National 2026 runners list. Nick Rockett, having won in 2025, was expected to return and attempt to defend his title, though the horse ultimately did not compete. Iroko, finishing fourth in 2025 and second in 2026, showed consistent form that attracted attention.

Soldier In Milan emerged as a serious contender in pre-season assessments, with connections expressing confidence in the horse’s Aintree credentials. The gelding demonstrated the necessary attributes for the marathon distance and had reportedly been specifically primed for the April meeting.

The official 2026 Grand National result confirmed I Am Maximus as the winner, with Iroko finishing second, Jordans third, Johnnywho fourth, and High Class Hero fifth. This outcome validated the pre-race expectations while providing another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the leading performers.

What to Expect from 2027 Grand National Horses

The preliminary 2027 runners list features a mix of established performers and potential newcomers. I Am Maximus leads the market once again, with connections considering whether to attempt an unprecedented fourth victory. The horse’s advanced age raises questions about long-term durability.

The list continues to evolve as trainers assess their string and make late entries before the final declaration stage. Spring form will prove crucial, with the Cheltenham Festival often serving as a crucial pointer toward Aintree prospects.

Grand National 2025: Key Timeline Events

Understanding the context of the 2025 Grand National requires examining how the race developed throughout the afternoon at Aintree. The following timeline captures the essential moments that shaped this memorable edition.

1. April 5, 2025, 5:40 PM BST: The starter releases thirty-four runners for the 2025 Grand National at Aintree
2. First Circuit: Duffle Coat suffers an early unseating at the third fence, eliminating the first casualty
3. Mid-Race: Nick Rockett moves into contention, avoiding a pile-up at Becher’s Brook that claims several runners
4. Penultimate Fence: Patrick Mullins asks Nick Rockett for maximum effort as the lead group takes shape
5. Final Furlong: Nick Rockett produces decisive acceleration, pulling away from I Am Maximus
6. Finish Line: Nick Rockett wins by three and a quarter lengths, with sixteen runners completing the course

What’s Confirmed and What’s Not: Grand National Clarity

When researching Grand National horses 2025 and beyond, distinguishing between confirmed information and speculation is essential. The following comparison helps clarify what is definitively established versus what remains uncertain.

The Significance of the Grand National in Horse Racing

The Grand National stands as the pinnacle of steeplechase racing, combining massive prize money with unparalleled prestige. The Aintree course, with its iconic fences including Becher’s Brook and The Chair, presents a unique test that no other race can replicate.

The diversity of Grand National winners over recent years reflects the accessibility of the race to different training operations and breeding programs. British and Irish yards have dominated, though the specific horses and connections vary considerably from year to year.

For participants, a Grand National victory represents the culmination of years of careful preparation and the achievement of racing’s highest honor over the large obstacles. The mental and physical demands of the four-and-a-half-mile course require horses with exceptional stamina, jumping ability, and courage.

The Grand National continues to captivate audiences worldwide, combining athletic excellence with the unpredictability that makes sport genuinely compelling. Each year brings new stories, new contenders, and new chapters in the race’s storied history.

Summary

The 2025 Grand National will be remembered for Nick Rockett’s upset victory at 33/1, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Patrick Mullins. Sixteen of thirty-four runners completed the demanding Aintree course, with I Am Maximus finishing second and Grangeclare West third. The result continued the remarkable dominance of the Willie Mullins operation in National Hunt racing’s most prestigious event.

Those seeking a Grand National 2025 runners printable list should note that official results from authoritative sources like the Jockey Club and Racing Post provide comprehensive finishing orders. The 2026 edition saw I Am Maximus return to winning form, while early 2027 entries indicate continued interest from top connections.

For additional context on Aintree incidents, see our coverage of the Willy De Houelle Fall at Aintree: Blackmore Hospitalized and related racing events.

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