2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Connor O'Neill)
The 2025 Randox Grand National at Aintree is set to be one of the most open in years Last year's winner I Am Maximus heads the runners for the Grand National this afternoon. Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old was a hugely impressive winner and will attempt to add his name to an elite list who have won the race more than once this afternoon. However, the Shark Hanlon-trained Hewick is another popular pick and Iroko is the leading British hope, with Perceval Legallois being tipped to do well by a lot of the experts in the racing world.
The big race gets underway at 4pm, live on ITV and Racing TV, and below is a round-up of who the big names in the racing world are backing in the race. Derek Fox Speaking to the Racing Post , Derek Fox, who has won two of the last seven Grand Nationals , said: "I like Perceval Legalloi. That’s the one I’d want to be on.
“He looks like he’s been prepared for it. He’s won a big-field handicap chase at Leopardstown and won a hurdle last time. "I think Mark Walsh, as far as I know, is going to take the ride, and I rate Mark highly.
I think it’s a great standard in the weighing room, but I think Mark Walsh is a standout rider. He’s going to be a great man to have on board and is on a nice weight. "I’m sure I Am Maximus will be well primed for the day as well, but I just have a feeling about that other JP horse.
" Ruby Walsh Walsh, a previous winner of the Grand National, told Racing TV : “I think Perceval Legallois is the one to be with myself. I thought he was a good winner of the Paddy Power. I think he’s got some cracking runs in all the right top handicap chases, and Gavin Cromwell’s horses are in great form.
I really like the chance of Perceval Legallois. “I thought one at a huge price worth giving a shout to is Fil Dor. I could see him running into the money for Gordon Elliott, and I Am Maximus and Minella Cocooner, they’d be my two of Willie’s, but Perceval Legallois would be the number one pick.
” Sir AP McCoy Former Grand National winner Sir AP McCoy shared his tip for this afternoon’s big race at a special event at The Ivy on Liverpool's Castle Street on Tuesday night. When asked who he fancied to come out on top, he replied saying I Am Maximus , before adding: "It's boring but he's currently about 12/1 and he's been trained for one race all year by Willie Mullins." Ed Chamberlin The ITV Racing presenter said: “Perceval Legallois – trainer’s not too bad and won a race I like as a National trial at Christmas .
Suspect there’s more to come.” Mick Fitzgerald Speaking to S ky Sports , a previous winner of the Grand National, Fitzgerald said: "I think one of the speciality bets is JP McManus to win the race. Just I Am Maximus and Iroko alone are well fancied.
"I went back and watched I Am Maximus again to remind myself how good he was last year. You have to factor in that it's drier ground this year and he hasn't had as good a preparation. "For that reason, when you look at Iroko's form, he was second to Inothewayurthinkin - the Gold Cup winner.
The drier the ground, the better it is for Hewick's chance and he comes here in good form. "I want to throw in Minella Indo. He's a 12-year-old and the stats are going against him but he's got the class and I can see him arriving there with every chance.
" JP McManus Speaking to the Daily Telegraph , three-time winning owner said: “We’ve got a few with chances but I think I Am Maximus has the best chance; he’s proven.”.
