Who of the 34 runners is standing out to punters as the biggest race of the year approaches.
The 2025 Aintree Grand National is here and punters are already locking in their selections—five names have emerged as the most heavily backed on oddschecker today.
From festival winners to fairytale stories, here’s a look at the five horses commanding the most betting attention ahead of the world’s most famous steeplechase.
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1. Stumptown (8.3% of total bets)
Stumptown is 12/1 best price, add him to your betslip here.
Gavin Cromwell’s Stumptown tops the list of most backed horses today and it’s easy to see why.
The 8-year-old has strung together four consecutive victories, including a dominant performance in the Cheltenham Cross Country Chase last month. Despite appearing to tire turning in, he rallied late to win going away—suggesting the Grand National’s extended trip should be within his range.
A reliable jumper with solid festival form, Stumptown runs off the same mark (157) as his Cheltenham win and gets the services of Keith Donoghue once more. While he hasn’t faced Aintree’s unique test before, his profile screams stamina and grit. If he gets a clear round, this progressive gelding could well land a fifth consecutive win on the biggest stage of all.
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2. I Am Maximus (7.5% of total bets)
I Am Maximus is a best price of 7/1, add to betslip here.
Last year’s winner I Am Maximus is unsurprisingly popular once again. Trained by Willie Mullins, the 9-year-old is attempting to emulate Tiger Roll with back-to-back Grand National wins. He stormed home by 7.5 lengths in 2024 and has only been nudged up 8lbs in the weights.
Although his form this season hasn’t sparkled—he was pulled up and then finished ninth at Leopardstown—it’s widely believed that this race has been his long-term target. With proven course form and Paul Townend back in the saddle, many punters believe class will shine through again despite the hefty weight of 11st 12lb.
3. Perceval Legallois (6.3% of total bets)
Perceval Legallois is a best price of 10/1, add to betslip here.
A fascinating each-way option, Perceval Legallois has attracted solid support thanks to a progressive campaign under the care of Gavin Cromwell. He has won over both fences and hurdles this season, including a strong staying performance at Leopardstown in February.
While this is his first try at the Grand National trip, he’s shown enough stamina over three miles to suggest he can go further. Mark Walsh is on board for JP McManus, and that endorsement alone gives the impression connections fancy a big run. He may lack experience at this level, but his upward curve makes him a serious contender.
4. Hewick (5.6% of total bets)
Hewick is a best price of 12/1, add to betslip here.
One of the most remarkable stories in recent racing, Hewick was bought for just £800 and has gone on to win the King George VI Chase, a bet365 Gold Cup, and multiple Grade 1s. His most recent win came in a hurdles prep race at Thurles, and trainer Shark Hanlon insists he’s in peak condition for this.
Carrying 11st 7lb, he avoids top weight and relishes good ground—something that could play to his strengths this year. If he takes to Aintree’s unique test, he has the class to be bang there at the finish and would be a fairytale winner.
Betfred
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5. Minella Cocooner (5.5% of total bets)
Minella Cocooner is a best price of 14/1, add to betslip here.
Another strong Willie Mullins candidate, Minella Cocooner is beginning to catch the eye of late bettors. Third in the Irish Grand National last season and winner of the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, he looks tailor-made for marathon trips.
He’s had a light campaign this term but that might just mean he’s been laid out for this. The booking of Jonathan Burke has raised eyebrows, but he’s a rider with big-race credentials, and this thorough stayer could find the race coming to him late on if others falter.
