Grand National jockeys are set to take centre stage on April 5th, 2025, with each rider looking to etch their name into Aintree folklore.
If you thought the tension at Augusta was high, wait till you see the drama unfold at the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Harry Cobden has been chomping at the bit for a breakthrough, especially since Paul Nicholls hasn’t had a Grand National runner since 2021.
That left Cobden picking up spare rides on Lostintranslation for Colin Tizzard, the Gordon Elliott-trained Coko Beach, and even former Grand National winner Noble Yeats in 2024.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t placed better than 14th to date—“incredibly frustrating” for someone so competitive. This year, however, Nicholls could field five runners, and Cobden should have the pick of the bunch on April 5th.
Reigning Irish jumps racing champion jockey Paul Townend is still riding the wave of his 2024 Grand National triumph aboard I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins.
Given his brilliant form and a knack for partnering with top-tier horses, few would bet against him snagging another trophy.
Then there’s Rachael Blackmore, the history-maker who famously guided Minella Times to victory in 2021.
She continued her strong form with a third-place finish in 2024 on Minella Indo for Henry de Bromhead. When you produce consistent top-tier efforts like that, the world will be watching in 2025.
Jonjo O’Neill Jr. has Grand National-winning DNA in his veins: Jonjo O’Neill Snr. claimed two Gold Cups as a jockey, then won the Gold Cup and the Grand National as a trainer.
O’Neill Jr. now hopes to hoist another trophy for the family, partnering Iroko—currently a 14/1 joint-third favourite—for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.
Jack Kennedy, a stalwart for Gordon Elliott, came close in 2024 when Delta Work finished second. Considering his multiple Cheltenham victories, including a 2021 Gold Cup ride on Minella Indo, Kennedy clearly knows how to deliver on the big stage.
Bryony Frost has been linked with Intense Raffles, the reigning Irish Grand National winner and hotly tipped favourite for this year’s event.
Though she recently teamed up with him at Navan, the ride is likely to go to Daryl Jacob at Aintree if he recovers from injury, as Jacob is the owners’ retained jockey.
Speaking of Derek Fox, his two previous Grand National victories are proof he can thrive on the Aintree course, despite an early unseating at the first fence in 2024 on Corach Rambler. The bumps and bruises come with the territory in this race, and Fox knows how to bounce back.
Daryl Jacob, winner of the 2012 Grand National aboard Neptune Collonges, has stepped into a high-profile role as retained jockey for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
After several Grade 1 wins, Jacob is well-positioned to be a serious threat, assuming he’s fit in time for the big day.
Keep an eye on other top-flight talents too, like Harry Skelton, who’s slated to ride Threeunderthrufive for Nicholls, and Nico de Boinville, likely to partner Hyland for Nicky Henderson—both still seeking that elusive Grand National success.
When the tapes go up, these Grand National jockeys will be the ones we’ll all be buzzing about. With so many skilled riders saddling up for a shot at history, the 2025 renewal promises to be a race for the ages.
For more information, visit www.grandnational.org.uk.
