Aintree Grand National Day 3 – The Big One! – Saturday, 5 April 2025

It all comes down to this. Day 3 of the Aintree Festival is here, and with it comes the most iconic race in the world — the Randox Grand National. The build-up has been immense, and now it’s time for legends to be made over the famous Aintree fences.

Race Schedule Highlights:

14:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (3m ½f)

A wide-open handicap kicks off the day. Jeriko Du Reponet is well fancied after a strong Cheltenham showing.

14:55 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m 4f)

Promising hurdlers clash here. Expect a strong run from Lookaway, who skipped Cheltenham in favor of this.

16:05 – Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1, 3m ½f)

The staying hurdle championship. Strong Leader is back to defend his crown, arriving fresh after skipping Cheltenham.

17:00 – The Big One – Randox Grand National (4m 2½f)

34 runners. 30 fences. One winner. Last year’s champion I Am Maximus returns with top weight, but it’s a deep field. Iroko, Stumptown, and Meetingofthewaters are all serious challengers, while Corach Rambler will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing Cheltenham.

18:00  – Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1, 2m)

18:35  – Grade 2 National Hunt Flat Race (2m 1f)

A future stars’ race to close out the festival.

A speedy chase for novice stars. Found A Fifty and JPR One top the market.

Grand National Watchlist:

I Am Maximus – Can lightning strike twice?

Stumptown – Looks well-handicapped and improving.

Iroko – Quietly fancied; could surprise with stamina.

Mahler Mission – Solid stayer, good prep.

Kitty’s Light – The people’s horse, thrives on soft ground.

Catch all the LIVE action from Aintree on GALLOPTV.

Aintree Grand National Festival – Day 2: Ladies Day Preview – 4 April 2025.

The excitement continues at Aintree as we head into Day 2 of the Grand National Festival—better known as Ladies Day! Expect a mix of high fashion and even higher stakes as top-class horses battle it out in four Grade 1 races and the ever-thrilling Topham Handicap Chase over the Grand National fences.

Key Races to Watch:

14:45 – Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1, 3m 1f) – A big test for novice chasers. Caldwell Potter, fresh from Cheltenham success, is a strong contender here.

15:55 – Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m ½f) – A proving ground for up-and-coming hurdlers. Romeo Coolio is the favourite, but Tripoli Flyer could cause an upset.

16:30 – Melling Chase (Grade 1, 2m 4f) – All eyes on Jonbon—a class act looking to bounce back from his Cheltenham disappointment. Can he return to winning ways?

17:05 – Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 2m 5f) – National-style fences mean thrills (and spills) are guaranteed! James Du Berlais, last year’s runner-up, is one to watch.

Betting & Tips:

  • Protektorat looks like a solid value bet in the Melling Chase.
  • Tripoli Flyer could shine in the Top Novices’ Hurdle.
  • James Du Berlais has the experience for another big run in the Topham.