The 2025 Grand National is fast approaching, with bets being placed on which horses could triumph around Aintree Racecourse on Merseyside.
I Am Maximus, last year’s winner, is the favourite to win a second title, with action at Aintree kicking off with warm-up events from Thursday.
The National is one of the biggest events on the British sporting calendar, with workplaces and friends often running a sweepstake to pick a horse to back.
If you’re planning one for 2025, read on to find out how.
Grand National sweepstake guide
The event will launch an official sweepstake once all runners and riders are confirmed on Thursday. However, if you want to jump the gun, the Standard has made its own.
Please note, these 34 names are expected to participate as of Wednesday and may change.
To join in, print this grid, cut out the names, place them in a hat, and distribute them among players.
The 34 horses in the Grand National 2025
Standard
Who are the favourites to win the Grand National 2025 with the bookies?
I Am Maximus, last year’s winner under Paul Townend, was sent off the 7/1 joint-favourite and galloped clear to win by almost eight lengths — a good bet for 2025. This year, the horse is 11-12.
Royale Pagaille has good odds at 11-9, while Nick Rockett is another favourite at 11-8.
“He appears to be in his prime at the age of eight and cannot be ruled out.”
The Grand National 2024 in full flight
Getty Images
What about the ban on drones?
However, you choose to follow the National, it will not be via drones — these have been banned from flying over Aintree.
Police have imposed a temporary flight restriction zone over the Merseyside course for the three-day festival, specifically targeting drones. It is believed that drone footage could unfairly favour gamblers placing ‘in-play’ bets by streaming images a few seconds before TV broadcasts.
The no-fly zone is part of a security operation for the famous steeplechase, which attracts more than 150,000 spectators. The 2023 race was delayed when animal rights protesters gained access to the course.
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke, Merseyside Police’s Grand National Festival event commander, said: “As always, our policing plans for the Grand National Festival are extensive and take into consideration land, sea and air.
“Specialist resources, made up of Merseyside Police officers and officers from regional and national teams, including air support, will be in place for the duration of the event and we are also working with partners including the local authority, other emergency services, and businesses in the community to ensure this is a safe and secure event.”
