Grand National 2025 Festival Kicks Off with I Am Maximus Eyeing Historic Repeat

The iconic race at Aintree begins its three-day festival as I Am Maximus leads the field of 34 following key withdrawals and safety adjustments.

The Grand National Festival begins today, April 3, 2025, at Aintree Racecourse, with the main race scheduled for Saturday, April 5.
I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner, is attempting to become the first horse since Tiger Roll in 2019 to win back-to-back Grand Nationals.
Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin has withdrawn, leaving I Am Maximus as a leading contender among a reduced field of 34 horses.
Organizers have prepared the course with watered ground to ensure good-to-soft conditions, reflecting ongoing safety measures in the sport.
The £1 million prize pool, including £500,000 for the winner, underscores the race's status as one of the richest and most prestigious in horse racing.