I Am Maximum will attempt to win a second successive Grand National when the Willie Mullins horse competes in the most high-profile event of the three-day festival at Aintree Racecourse.
At 8lb heavier than he was in 2024, the nine-year-old has topped the weights for the race on the final day of the spectacle and is part of a potential field of 34 runners.
“If he is successful again, he will make history by winning off of the highest mark seen in the 21st century,” observed Martin Greenwood, the British Horseracing Authority’s Chase Handicapper for races staged over two miles and seven furlongs or further.
101GreatGoals.com has the details on when the 2025 Grand National will start, including how to watch live and the weather forecast.
From the archives 🎞️🤩
Sit back and enjoy these 10 throwback Grand Nationals! 🍿 pic.twitter.com/YxFeOq2Ezx
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) March 28, 2025
When is the 2025 Grand National?
The 2025 Grand National takes place on Saturday, April 5 2025.
“With the changes made to the course, you may well see more quality horses competing in the Grand National in the years ahead,” said Greenwood.
“The [initial entrant] 41 horses rated 150-plus at the top this year could be the start of the race becoming an even classier handicap chase going forward.”
This was the 2024 @RandoxHealth Grand National 🤩 pic.twitter.com/DzcHObQ6An
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) March 27, 2025
What time is the 2025 Grand National?
The race will start at 16:00 BST and usually takes between nine and 11 minutes to complete.
Iroko is among the favourites, which Josh Guerriero – the horse’s co-owner alongside Oliver Greenall – has said is “incredible”.
“It’s very exciting,” added Guerriero of the runner for owner JP McManus. “He looks made for the race, he’s got the right profile and we’re looking forward to it.
“We’re very lucky to have been allowed to train the horse for JP, which is incredible. We’re just looking forward to it now.”
SHOCKS in the Grand National 😮
Do you remember these winners? 👀 pic.twitter.com/Hmlr9csUNg
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) March 25, 2025
How to watch the Grand National 2025: TV channel, live stream
In the UK, the Grand National 2025 will be shown live on ITV 1 and Racing TV. Coverage on ITV starts at 15:15 and runs until 17:00.
Viewers can stream the action on the go on a vast variety of devices via the ITVX app and ITV.com.
BBC Radio 5 Live will carry radio commentary of the race.
Historic.
Red Rum’s THREE Grand National trophies 🏆 pic.twitter.com/f5lLB98DYL
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) March 27, 2025
Grand National prize money
The total prize money for the race is £1 million. Here’s how that breaks down.
1st place – £500,0002nd – £200,0003rd – £100,0004th – £65,0005th – £40,0006th – £30,0007th – £20,0008th – £ 15,0009th– £10,00010th – £5,000
🗣️ “It just turned out to be a dream for us.”
Thomas Gibney on his leading @RandoxHealth Grand National contender INTENSE RAFFLES 🟢💪 pic.twitter.com/Gfbffq1APG
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) March 27, 2025
Grand National weather forecast
Aintree will see sunshine for the race, according to the Met Office, which projects a temperature of around 14 degrees and an easterly wind of 11mph.
Visibility will be very good and the going is said to be soft.
