The Grand National, a cornerstone of British sporting tradition, is more than just a horse race; it’s a cultural phenomenon. For enthusiasts and casual observers alike, marking the date on the calendar is paramount. So, when is Grand National 2025? The main event, the Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time (BST). This iconic race is the highlight of the three-day Grand National Festival, held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England.
Understanding the Grand National: A Brief Overview
The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race, meaning it involves jumping over various fences and ditches. It’s renowned for its demanding course, which features 30 formidable fences spread over two laps of the Aintree track, covering a distance of 4 miles and 2½ furlongs (6.90 km). The race tests the stamina, courage, and jumping ability of both horse and jockey, making it a true spectacle of equestrian sport.
First officially run in 1839, the Grand National has a rich and storied history, punctuated by legendary horses like Red Rum, who famously won the race three times in the 1970s. Its unpredictable nature, with often long-shot winners, adds to its enduring appeal, captivating audiences worldwide.
The total prize fund for the 2025 Grand National is an impressive £1 million, with £500,000 awarded to the winner and progressively smaller sums down to £5,000 for tenth place. This substantial prize money solidifies its status as one of the richest jumps races globally.
Betting on the Grand National 2025: Practical Tips
The Grand National is famous for its unpredictable results, making it a popular race for both seasoned punters and first-time bettors. Here are some tips for placing your bets:
Understanding Odds and Bet Types
Odds: Odds represent the likelihood of a horse winning and how much you’ll win if your bet is successful. For example, odds of 10/1 mean you’ll win £10 for every £1 you stake, plus your original £1 back.
Win Bet: Simply betting on a horse to win the race.
Each-Way Bet: This involves two bets: one for the horse to win, and one for the horse to “place” (finish within a certain number of positions, typically 4th or 5th, depending on the number of runners, usually 1/4 or 1/5 of the win odds for the place part). Given the 34-runner field, most bookmakers offer generous each-way terms, often paying out on the first 5 or 6 places.
Accumulator (Acca): A bet that combines multiple selections into one wager. All selections must win for the accumulator to pay out. These offer higher returns but are riskier.
Key Factors to Consider When Betting
Form: Look at a horse’s recent performance. Has it been winning or consistently placing? A horse that has demonstrated good form over long distances and over fences is a strong contender.
Grand National Experience: Horses that have previously run the Grand National fences often have an advantage due to their familiarity with the unique challenges of the course. This experience can be crucial for navigating the demanding jumps.
Stamina: The Grand National is a marathon, not a sprint. Horses with proven stamina over long distances (3 miles or more) are often preferred. Previous wins or strong performances in races over 3 miles or more are good indicators.
Jockey Form & Experience: A skilled jockey with a good record in big races can make a significant difference. Jockeys must have ridden at least 15 winners, with 10 of those over steeplechase fences, to be eligible. Those who have ridden the Grand National course twice or less are also required to walk the entire course with experienced coaches.
Trainer Form: Some trainers have a history of preparing horses specifically for the Grand National. Irish trainers, such as Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, have a particularly strong record in recent years. For the 2025 Grand National, 18 of the 34 confirmed runners were trained in Ireland, including six from Willie Mullins’ yard.
Weight: The Grand National is a handicap race, meaning horses carry different weights assigned by a handicapper to theoretically equalize their chances. A horse that is “well-weighted” is considered to have a good chance despite its assigned weight. For example, I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner and a leading contender for 2025, carried 11st 12lb.
Market Movers: Horses whose odds are shortening (getting smaller) in the lead-up to the race might indicate that professional bettors or insiders are backing them.
Recent Trends in Grand National Betting (as of 2025)
Field Size Reduction: For the 2025 race, the field size has been reduced from 40 to 34 horses. This has been implemented as a safety measure. While it reduces the sheer number of options, it can make it slightly easier to narrow down contenders and potentially leads to a higher completion rate.
Emphasis on Form: With a slightly smaller field and increased focus on horse welfare, there’s a growing trend towards backing horses with strong, consistent form, rather than purely relying on speculative long shots. The required handicap rating for horses to qualify has also been raised to 130, ensuring a higher class of horse competes.
Sustainable Betting: A growing awareness of responsible gambling is encouraging bettors to set limits and avoid chasing losses. Many betting sites offer tools for self-exclusion and deposit limits. There is also a broader industry push for regulatory enhancements in responsible gambling globally, with some countries even exploring facial recognition for account authentication on licensed platforms.
AI-Powered Insights: Some advanced betting platforms are beginning to incorporate AI and data analytics to provide more nuanced insights into horse performance, race predictions, and real-time odds calculation. This technology analyzes thousands of data points, from horse lineage to track conditions. While AI enhances information, human expertise and intuition remain crucial in horse racing.
The Course and Its Fences: A Test of Skill and Bravery
The Grand National course at Aintree is unique, featuring larger and more challenging fences than those typically found on National Hunt courses. These fences have undergone significant modifications over the years to improve safety while maintaining their iconic character. The course is run over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs with 30 fences jumped over two circuits.
Safety Measures and Evolution of the Race
The Grand National has continuously evolved with a strong emphasis on horse welfare and safety, particularly in recent decades. This is a crucial aspect of maintaining public confidence and the longevity of the race.
Reduced Field Size: As mentioned, the field was reduced to 34 horses for 2025 (down from 40 in 2023) to minimize congestion and potential falls, especially at the early fences.
Modified Fences: Fences have been reprofiled, with softer cores and landing areas, to make them more forgiving upon impact. Birch is now predominantly used, replacing rigid timber. The drop on the landing side of Becher’s Brook has been reduced.
Pre-Race Veterinary Checks: Rigorous veterinary inspections are conducted before the race to ensure all horses are fit to compete. An enhanced protocol applies to Grand National entries, requiring trainers to provide comprehensive medical histories and video footage of horses trotting in advance. On race day itself, the 34 runners undergo a thorough check by the racecourse veterinary team, including a trot-up and physical examination.
BHA Trialling AI Technology: The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is actively trialing an app called “Sleip” which uses AI to monitor a horse’s gait over time. This innovative technology helps vets identify subtle changes or potential issues before races, enabling proactive safeguarding of horse health. This is part of a broader trend of AI integration in horse racing, also seen in AI-driven odds calculation and fraud detection on betting platforms.
Increased Focus on Training and Eligibility: Horses must have run at least six times over fences and finished in the top four in a steeplechase race three miles long or more. Their handicap rating must now be at least 130. These stringent requirements ensure that only experienced, fit, and high-class horses are eligible for the race. Jockeys also have specific qualification criteria, demonstrating their experience in National Hunt races.
Softer Ground Preparation: Aintree often works the ground to ensure it is on the softer side, which generally leads to fewer fallers and a safer race for the horses.
These continuous measures demonstrate the industry’s commitment to striking a balance between preserving the challenge and spectacle of the Grand National while prioritizing the welfare of its equine athletes. Despite criticism from some traditionalists who fear it’s losing its “grit,” organisers emphasize the necessity of these changes to align with modern standards of responsible racing.
Recent Trends (as of 2025)
Beyond the direct racing aspects, several broader trends are influencing the Grand National in 2025, reflecting shifts in societal values, technology, and fan engagement.
Increased Focus on Responsible Gambling: The gambling industry, in conjunction with regulatory bodies, is intensifying efforts to promote responsible gambling. This includes more prominent messaging around safe betting practices, tools for self-exclusion and setting deposit limits, and stricter advertising regulations. Some jurisdictions are even exploring advanced technologies like facial recognition for account authentication to bolster player protection.
Sustainability in Sport and Fashion: The Grand National is actively embracing sustainability. The Ladies Day Style Award’s emphasis on recognizing sustainably dressed racegoers encourages eco-conscious fashion choices, such as using organic, recycled, or biodegradable fabrics and prioritizing transparent sourcing. This aligns with a broader industry trend towards reducing environmental impact in major sporting events, from waste management at venues to more sustainable operations.
Technological Integration and AI: The use of AI for horse welfare (like the Sleip app by the BHA) is a prime example of how technology is being integrated into traditional sports to enhance safety and performance. Beyond welfare, AI is increasingly being used in betting platforms for predictive analytics, real-time odds adjustment, and fraud detection. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are also emerging as ways to provide more immersive fan experiences, including virtual race simulations and live race streaming with AR overlays.
Social Media Engagement: The Grand National continues to be a major talking point on social media, with millions of interactions across platforms before, during, and after the festival. This amplifies its reach globally and allows for real-time fan engagement, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive discussions, contributing to the overall buzz and excitement.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Efforts are ongoing to make the Grand National more accessible and inclusive to a wider audience. This includes continued improvements in venue accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and diverse promotional campaigns aimed at attracting a broader demographic of racegoers. The relaxation of strict dress codes by The Jockey Club (from April 2023 across all its racecourses, including Aintree) is also part of this drive to make racing events more welcoming and comfortable for all attendees.
FAQs
When exactly is the Grand National 2025 main race?
The main Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase is scheduled for Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time (BST).
How can I buy tickets for the Grand National 2025, and when do they go on sale?
Tickets are best purchased directly from The Jockey Club’s official Aintree Racecourse website. While some tickets for various enclosures might still be available, it is always recommended to book as far in advance as possible due to high demand. Hospitality packages are also available, with prices ranging from approximately £399 to £799 per person depending on the day and package.
What are the eligibility criteria for horses and jockeys participating in the Grand National?
To qualify for the 2025 Grand National, horses must have run at least six times over fences and finished in the top four in a steeplechase race three miles long or more. They must also have a minimum handicap rating of 130. Jockeys must hold a National Hunt jockey’s licence and have ridden at least 15 winners, with 10 of those over steeplechase fences. Additionally, jockeys with limited experience on the Grand National course must walk it with professional coaches.
Where can I watch the Grand National 2025 if I can’t attend in person?
In the UK, the Grand National will be broadcast live on free-to-air TV by ITV Racing and streamed on ITVX. For comprehensive coverage of the entire festival, a subscription to Racing TV is required. International broadcast details vary by region; check with local sports broadcasters. Many online betting sites also offer live streaming for customers who have placed a bet.
Final Thoughts
The Grand National 2025 promises to be another thrilling chapter in the long and illustrious history of this iconic race. From the palpable excitement of the crowd at Aintree to the millions watching worldwide, it’s an event that transcends sport, embodying tradition, courage, and the unpredictable magic of horse racing.
Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a newcomer drawn by the spectacle, knowing when is Grand National 2025 is your first step towards experiencing this unforgettable event. With careful planning, understanding the nuances of the race, and appreciating the dedication of all involved, you’re sure to enjoy the “world’s greatest steeplechase.”
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