Constitution Hill is set to go off favourite for the 2025 running (Image: PA Images)
The contenders for the opening day of the 2025 Randox Grand National at Aintree Racecourse have been announced. Seven races are scheduled for the first day – Thursday, April 3 – at Aintree. The first race, the Grade One EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Chase, is set to start at 1.45pm, with the feature race, the Grade One William Hill Aintree Hurdle, due to begin at 3.30pm. Constitution Hill will go head-to-head with Cheltenham Festival winner Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle on Thursday.
The first race over the renowned Grand National fences, the Randox Foxhunters’ Chase for amateur riders, is slated for 4.05pm, and the final race is expected to commence at 5.15pm. All the competitors for the first day have now been confirmed. Express Sport brings you them below…
2025 GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL: DECLARED RUNNERS FOR OPENING DAY – THURSDAY, APRIL 3
Current Going: Mildmay & Hurdle Courses: Good, Good to Soft in places; Grand National Course: Good to Soft
1.45pm EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade One) 2m3f200y
1 Boombawn (IRE) 8-11-7 Bullen-Smith & Faulks Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
2 Croke Park (IRE) 7-11-7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Sam Ewing
3 Fascile Mode (IRE) 7-11-7 Mrs H. Mullins Thomas Mullins Ireland
4 Gidleigh Park 7-11-7 The Eyre Family Harry Fry Bryan Carver
5 Impaire Et Passe (FR) p 7-11-7 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Willie Mullins Ireland Paul Townend
6 Jango Baie (FR) 6-11-7 Countrywide Park Homes Ltd Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
7 Mark of Gold 8-11-7 Stevie Fisher & Friends Gary & Josh Moore Caoilin Quinn
8 Rubaud (FR) 7-11-7 Mr Brendan McManus Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
9 The Kalooki Kid 7-11-7 Eddie Melville & Kenny Haughey Nicky Richards Danny McMenamin
2024: It Etait Temps 6-11-7, Willie Mullins, Paul Townend, 3-1
2.20pm Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade One) 2m209y
1 Aviemore 4-11-2 HIghclere Thoroughbred Racing – Warhol Harry Derham Harry Cobden
2 Coconut Grove (FR) 4-11-2 The Jago Family Partnership Harry Fry Bryan Carver
3 Filibustering 4-11-2 Dr VMG Ferguson Harry Derham Paul O’Brien
4 Gibbs Island h 4-11-2 RaceShare – Gibbs Island Tom Lacey Stan Sheppard
5 Give It To Me Oj 4-11-2 Mr Omar Jackson Gary & Josh Moore Caoilin Quinn
6 Live Conti (FR) 4-11-2 G Mason, J Hales, P Hogath, Sir A Ferguson Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
7 Mambonumberfive (FR) 4-11-2 Mal Bloodstock Ltd Ben Pauling Ben Jones
8 Naturally Nimble (GER) 4-11-2 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland J. J. Slevin
9 Puturhandstogether (IRE) 4-11-2 Mr JP McManus Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland Mark Walsh
10 Terrorise 4-11-2 Mr A Barnes & Partner Brian Ellison Craig Nichol
11 Wendrock (FR) 4 11 2 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Sam Ewing
12 Willy de Houelle (FR) h,ts 4-11-2 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins Ireland
13 Murcia (FR) ts 4-10-9 Mr K Alexander Willie Mullins Ireland
2024: Sir Gino 4-11-2, Nicky Henderson, Nico De Boinville, 11-10 favourite
2.55pm Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase (Grade One) 3m210y
1 Ahoy Senor (IRE) 10-11-10 Wymer & Russell Lucinda Russell Patrick Wadge
2 Djelo (FR) 7-11-10 Mr P Davies Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch
3 Embassy Gardens 9-11-10 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Willie Mullins Ireland
4 Gaelic Warrior (GER) h,ts 7-11-10 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins Ireland
5 Grey Dawning (IRE) 8-11-10 Mr Robert Kirkland Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
6 Spillane’s Tower (IRE) 7-11-10 Mr JP McManus James Joseph Mangan Ireland Mark Walsh
7 Stage Star (IRE) 9-11-10 Owners Group 044 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
8 The Real Whacker (IRE) ts 9-11-10 Neville, Mann, Duffus, Dennis-Price Patrick Neville Brian Hughes
2024: Gerri Colombe 8-11-10, Gordon Elliott, Jack Kennedy, 9-4
3.30pm William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade One) 2m4f
1 Constitution Hill 8-11-10 Mr Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
2 Salver (FR) 5-11-10 Mr Keith Graves Gary & Josh Moore Caoilin Quinn
3 Tellherthename (IRE) 6-11-10 The Megsons Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill Kielan Woods
4 Break My Soul (IRE) ts 6-11-3 Matthew Rogers Ian Patrick Donoghue Ireland Keith Donoghue
5 Lossiemouth (FR) 6-11-3 Mrs S Ricci Willie Mullins Ireland Paul Townend
6 Take No Chances (IRE) 7-11-3 Mr Garry Wilson Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
7 Wodhooh (FR) 5-11-3 The Sundowners Partnership Gordon Elliott Ireland Danny Gilligan
2024: Impaire Et Passe 6-11-10, Willie Mullins, Paul Townend, evens favourite
4.05pm Randox Foxhunters’ Chase 2m5f19y (Grand National Fences)
1 A Jet of Our Own (IRE) ts, p 8-12-0 Mr Edward Philipson-Stow Matt Sheppard Mr Frederick Philipson-Stow
2 Annamix (FR) ts, p 12-12-0 Status Quo Syndicate Willie Mullins Ireland Mr PW Mullins
3 Autonomous Cloud (IRE) ts 9-12-0 Mr Terry Warner & The McNeill Family Fergal O’Brien Mr PA King
4 Bardenstown Lad bl 10-12-0 The Stay Between The Ditches Syndicate David Loughnane Mr Eoin Mahon
5 Bennys King (IRE) p 14-12-0 Mezzone Family & Dan Skelton Dan Skelton Mr Sean O’Connor
6 Bothwell Bridge (IRE) ts, p 10-12-0 The Fernie Dingley Syndicate Kelly Morgan Miss Ellie Callwood
7 Captain Tommy (IRE) ts, p 11-12-0 PSC Racing Club Fred Timmis Mr Henry Crow
8 Dorking Cock (IRE) ts, p 11-12-0 Dorking Cock Syndicate Stuart Crawford Northern Ireland
9 Eva’s Oskar (IRE) v,ts 11-12-0 S&R Racing Ltd Tim Vaughan Mr Edward Vaughan
10 Famous Clermont (FR) ts 10-12-0 Biddiscombe, Rogers & Barber Chris Barber Mr James King
11 Fix At All (FR) 9-12-0 Mrs L Maclennan Callum Bickers-Price Mr Troy Walsh
12 Frere d’Armes (FR) p 8-12-0 Belbroughton Racing Club Dan Skelton Miss Heidi Palin
13 Go Go Geronimo v,ts 10-12-0 Mr John Chatfeild-Roberts Kelly Morgan Mr Tom Chatfeild-Roberts
14 Gracchus de Balme (FR) 9-12-0 Mr DA Malam JJ O’Shea Mr Huw Edwards
15 Jet Plane (IRE) ts 9-12-0 Norman Lake & Susan Carsberg Dan Skelton Mr Jack Andrews
16 Joker de Mai (FR) 6-12-0 Mr David Maxwell Harry Derham Mr David Maxwell
17 Lifetime Ambition (IRE) 10-12-0 Linda Mulcahy & Roger O’Byrne PMJ Doyle Ireland Mr Robert James
18 Master Templar (IRE) bl,ts 10-12-0 Mrs RC Hayward Mrs G Andrews Miss Gina Andrews
19 Milan Forth (IRE) ts 6-12-0 Mr Patrick J Whyte Adrian Murray Ireland Mr Kevin Healy
20 My Drogo 10-12-0 Mr & Mrs R Kelvin-Hughes Edward William Walker Mr William Biddick
21 Ontheropes (IRE) 11-12-0 Mrs H Mullins Thomas Mullins Ireland
22 Percussion ts, p 10-12-0 Hanbury and Cherriman L J Morgan Mr Daniel Cherriman
23 Presentandcounting (IRE) 11-12-0 Mr Tim Johnson Donald McCain Mr Derek O’Connor
24 Pyleigh Court 10-12-0 Mr RC Pudd RC Pudd Miss Ella Herbison
25 Ramillies (IRE) p 10-12-0 Ramillies & Christie Family Syndicate DM Christie Ireland Mr Barry O’Neill
26 Senior Citizen 12-12-0 Mr G. C. Myddelton Alan Hill Mr Joshua Newman
27 Willewonga 9-12-0 Mr Nathan Richards JJ O’Shea Mr William Easterby
28 Willitgoahead (IRE) 7-12-0 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Mr JL Scallan
29 Yccs Portocervo (FR) p 10-12-0 Mrs MC Litton Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole Mr John Dawson
30 Yippee Ki Yay (IRE) p 7-12-0 Mr and Mrs Ben Herbert and Family Matt Sheppard Mr Ivor Herbert
2024: It’s On The Line 7-12-0, Emmet Mullins, Mr Derek O’Connor, 3-1 favourite
4.40pm Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 1m7f176y
1 Tommy’s Oscar (IRE) 10-12-0 Mr Ian Hamilton Ann Hamilton Danny McMenamin
2 Hunters Yarn (IRE) ts 8-12-0 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Willie Mullins Ireland JJ Slevin
3 My Mate Mozzie (IRE) ts, p 9-11-13 Alymer Stud Ltd Gavin Cromwell Ireland Keith Donoghue
4 Gunsight Ridge ts, p 10-11-7 Mrs Diana L Whateley Olly Murphy Sean Bowen
5 General Medrano (IRE) 8-11-5 Elite Racing 003 Emma Lavelle Ben Jones
6 Calico (GER) ts, p 9-11-2 Mr John J Reilly Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
7 The Folkes Tiara (IRE) ts 9-11-0 DWPJ Investments Ltd Henry de Bromhead Ireland Rachael Blackmore
8 Dr T J Eckleburg (IRE) 7-10-6 Mrs Janet Davies Evan Williams Adam Wedge
9 Sans Bruit (FR) ts 7-10-6 Mr Andy Peake Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
10 Primoz (IRE) ts 7-10-6 Aim Equestrian Ltd & Russell Lucinda Russell Patrick Wadge
11 Petit Tonnerre (FR) p 7-10-6 Mr JP McManus Jonjo & AJ O’Neill Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
12 Galunggung (FR) 9-10-5 Nigel Dunnington & David Shaw Donald McCain Brian Hughes
13 Inedit Star (FR) 7-10-5 Crossed Fingers Partnership Nick Kent Tom Broughton (5)
14 Rath Gaul Hill (IRE) ts 7-10-2 Mr Kevin Price Samuel Drinkwater Sam Twiston-Davies
2024: Sans Bruit 6-10-2, Paul Nicholls, Bryony Frost, 5-1
5.15pm Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade Two) 2m209y
1 Amelia’s Star (IRE) 5-11-2 Shaw Racing & Graeme McPherson David Killahena & Graeme McPherson Nick Slatter
2 Betty’s Daisy 5-11-2 Mrs Bridget Henley Ben Pauling Ben Jones
3 Blue Betty ts 5-11-2 The Megsons Fergal O’Brien Kielan Woods
4 Celestron Star 5-11-2 Upton House Stud & Chris Stedman Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole Luke Scott
5 Charisma Cat 5-11-2 Annabel Waley-Cohen, family and friends Alan King Tom Cannon
6 Getawhisky 5-11-2 Distillery Stud & Alne Park Stud Dan Skelton Harry Skelton
7 Highland Haven 5-11-2 Mr Walid Marzouk Fergal O’Brien Liam Harrison
8 Jackie Hobbs 5-11-2 Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate – Jackie Harry Derham Paul O’Brien
9 Kapability (FR) 5-11-2 Mr Richard & Mrs Carol Cheshire Anthony Honeyball Harry Cobden
10 Kingston Queen (IRE) 5-11-2 The Kingstonians David Pipe Jack Tudor
11 La Conquiere (FR) 6-11-2 Jamie Snowden Racing Club Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan
12 La Zoubida (FR) 5-11-2 Fine Claret Racing Nicky Richards Sean Quinlan
13 Oldschool Outlaw (IRE) 5-11-2 Dundara Syndicate Garry Caldwell Ireland Mr Harry Swan
14 Queen Kate 5-11-2 Big Time Billy Racing Peter & Michael Bowen James Bowen
15 Roses All The Way (IRE) 6-11-2 Mrs Miranda Johnson Donald McCain Brian Hughes
16 Seo Linn (IRE) 5-11-2 Mrs A Phelan & Mrs Bridget Beckett P Twomey Ireland WJ Lee
17 St Irene (IRE) 5-11-2 The Saints B F Brookhouse Jack Quinlan
18 St Jessica (IRE) 5-11-2 The Saints B F Brookhouse Rachael Blackmore
19 Strong Run 6-11-2 Welfordgolf Syndicate Fergal O’Brien Jonathan Burke
20 Slack Alice 4-10-8 Paul Cairns Racing Limited Patrick Owens Sean Bowen
2024: Diva Luna 5-11-2, Ben Pauling, Kielan Woods, 13-2
This story first appeared on the Liverpool Echo
