ITV Racing commentator, Richard Hoiles, has shared his predictions for the highly anticipated Grand National 2025 event at Aintree. Hoiles, known for his expertise in horse racing, has chosen his top five contenders for the prestigious race, including a 10-1 favourite and a 22-1 outsider that he believes will shine on the day.
In a surprising twist, Hoiles has overlooked the hot favourite I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, and instead, has placed his bets on Perceval Legallois and Meetingofthewaters to steal the show. Perceval Legallois, trained by Gavin Cromwell, is expected to put in a strong performance at 10-1 odds, with Hoiles noting that the horse has shown potential for success over the challenging distance.
On the other hand, Meetingofthewaters, available at 22-1, is considered by Hoiles as a solid each-way bet, with the potential to exceed expectations on the day. Despite not being the favourite, Hoiles sees great promise in this outsider based on past performances and track conditions.
For the remaining top spots, Hoiles has picked Hewick (10-1) to finish fourth, citing favourable ground conditions and past achievements as key factors in his decision. In third place, Hoiles has chosen Hyland (18-1), highlighting the horse’s impressive showings in Grade 1 competitions and suitability for the current race environment.
Intense Raffles (12-1), the victor of the Irish National, is also expected to deliver a noteworthy performance according to Hoiles. The seven-year-old horse is seen as a contender with potential for further success, particularly with a favourable weight advantage compared to future races.
Despite the anticipation surrounding I Am Maximus’s bid for a consecutive win, Hoiles has raised concerns about the horse’s limited recent races and potential challenges following a respiratory infection. However, trainer Willie Mullins remains optimistic about I Am Maximus’s chances, expressing confidence in the horse’s condition leading up to the Grand National.
As the excitement builds for the Grand National 2025, horse racing enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling competition with a mix of favourites and underdogs vying for victory. Hoiles’ expert insights add an extra layer of anticipation to the event, offering fans a unique perspective on the potential outcomes of this year’s race at Aintree. Stay tuned for the Grand National to see which of these contenders will emerge victorious in the ultimate test of skill and stamina on the track.