Grand National 2025: I Am Maximus heads confirmations for Aintree race

Last year's champion horse, "I Am Maximus," has been confirmed to participate in this Saturday's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse. Trained by Willie Mullins and owned by renowned owner JP McManus, the steed won the 2024 race by a commanding seven and a half lengths, marking a significant victory.

Currently, 57 horses are registered to compete, but only 34 will ultimately participate in the race. The final list of participants and four reserve horses will be announced on Thursday morning. McManus is seeking a record-breaking fourth Grand National title, with his other two strong horses, "Iroko" and "Perceval Legallois," also attracting considerable attention, showcasing his strong presence in the competition.

"I Am Maximus" is expected to become the first horse since "Red Rum," who won three times in the 1970s, to win while carrying the top weight. No horse has successfully defended its Grand National title since "Tiger Roll" in 2019. Mullins has a strong team of entries, including highly weighted horses such as "Nick Rockett" and "Grangeclare West," although "Capodanno" has not been confirmed to participate, leaving some strategic decisions to be made.

"Mr Incredible" has been banned from competing due to being pulled up or refusing to race in his past four races. Other horses that were originally eligible to participate but chose not to include "L'Homme Presse," "Minella Drama," and "Velvet Elvis." Trainer Gavin Cromwell, despite the absence of "Velvet Elvis," will still field a strong team, including Cheltenham Festival champion "Stumptown," "Perceval Legallois," and 2023 runner-up "Vanillier," indicating his continued commitment to the race.

The strong Irish contingent includes "Hewick," purchased for £800 but who won the King George VI Chase in 2023, last year's third-place finisher and 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner "Minella Indo," and 2024 Irish Grand National champion "Intense Raffles." Rachael Blackmore, the only female jockey to have won the race, having won in 2021 aboard "Minella Times," is likely to ride "Minella Indo" or "Senior Chief," both trained by Henry de Bromhead, adding to the anticipation surrounding her participation.

14-time British champion trainer Paul Nicholls has five horses competing, hoping to win his second Grand National title, namely "Kandoo Kid," "Bravemansgame," "Threeunderthrufive," "Hitman," and "Stay Away Fay." His main jockey, Harry Cobden, will ride "Kandoo Kid," while Johnny Burke will replace Bryony Frost on "Stay Away Fay" because Frost was unable to travel from France as planned, causing a change in jockey assignments.

"Iroko" is the target horse for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero this season, while "Beauport," trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, will wear the colors of Bryan and Philippa Burrough, whose "Corbiere" won in 1983 when Jenny Pitman became the first female trainer to win the race. Twiston-Davies, who has won the race twice, is also expected to field "Broadway Boy," further strengthening his presence in the competition.

Following the withdrawal of other horses, "Celebre d'Allen," "Three Card Brag," and "Twig" have secured their eligibility to participate. Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has signed Sean Bowen, who is set to become the British champion jockey, in light of Jack Kennedy's injury, ensuring a strong jockey presence for his entries.

"Duffle Coat" is expected to take the final spot in the race, as he currently has a higher rating than "Shakem Up'Arry," owned by former football coach Harry Redknapp, and "Roi Mage," all three of whom will carry 10 stone 4 pounds, adding a competitive edge to the final entries.