Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories I Am Maximus on his way to Grand National glory last year (Nigel French/PA). FreeAintree Reigning Aintree hero I Am Maximus leads field of Grand National declarations Duffle Coat is the last horse to make the cut. 11.50am, 3 Apr 2025 Share options DEFENDING CHAMPION I Am Maximus heads the 34 declarations for Saturday’s Randox Grand National at Aintree. The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old was a seven-and-a-half-length winner last year and while he is off an 8lb higher mark this term, he is again among the leading lights with Paul Townend keeping faith despite two lacklustre runs this year. Mullins runs six in total, including Nick Rockett, Grangeclare West and Meetingofthewaters, with fellow Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell also holding a strong hand with ante-post favourite Stumptown joined by Vanillier and Perceval Legallois. The Shark Hanlon-trained Hewick is another popular pick while Iroko is the leading British hope for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero having been aimed at the race all season. Shark Hanlon runs Hewick at Aintree (Niall Carson/PA). Paul Nicholls fields a five-strong team headed by Kandoo Kid and with no withdrawals from the top 34 horses confirmed on Monday, it is Gordon Elliott’s Duffle Coat who makes the cut as the final runner. Shakem Up’Arry, Roi Mage, Favori de Champdou and Fantastic Lady are the four reserve runners waiting in the wings should any of the field be declared a non-runner before 1pm on Friday. Irish handlers are responsible for half of the field, with their 17 contenders also including one-time ante-post favourite Intense Raffles. Advertisement Tom Gibney and J J Slevin with Intense Raffles after his Irish National win last year (Niall Carson/PA). Formerly trained in France, Intense Raffles was switched to Tom Gibney in the autumn of 2023 and following successive novice wins at Fairyhouse, the seven-year-old returned to the County Meath track to provide his trainer with a second Irish National success in April last year. Just over 12 months on from his finest hour, a long-held plan could be about to come together. “The plan was pretty much hatched the day after he won the Irish National and he didn’t run again over fences until after the weights (for Aintree) had come out (in February),” said Anthony Bromley, who is racing manager for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. “There was some talk of going for the novice chase at the Punchestown Festival (last year), but a good showing there would have affected our handicap mark, so we decided to set our stall out and target Aintree early.” Intense Raffles was well beaten on his first two starts of this season over hurdles at Navan, but a return to the larger obstacles saw a significant upturn in form as he pushed Nick Rockett all the way in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. The Irish National has a good record of producing subsequent Aintree heroes, with Bobbyjo himself, Numbersixvalverde and I Am Maximus all doing the double in the last 30 years – and leading bloodstock agent Bromley is hoping Intense Raffles can add his name to the list. He added: “It might not work and it could all be in vain, but if the handicapper had to reassess him today and after his run in the Bobbyjo, he would be a good 6lb or 7lb higher, so we’ve done something right! “Unfortunately, there’s four and a quarter miles, 30 fences and 33 other rivals before we find out how right, so we’ll have to wait and see. We’ve done our job, it’s now down to J J (Slevin, jockey) and the horse to do it on the track on the day.” Press Association Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Reigning Aintree hero I Am Maximus leads field of Grand National declarations”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Reigning Aintree hero I Am Maximus leads field of Grand National declarations”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Horse Racing News in 60 seconds Referees’ body says James Tarkowski should have been sent off against Liverpool 45 mins ago Freedestination USA sole bidder for 2031 Women's World Cup, UK set to host in 2035 - Infantino Nankivell set to miss Munster's visit to La Rochelle as appeal denied Former Australia rugby star Petaia signs for NFL's Chargers The first modern manager of the GAA, Mick O'Dwyer changed everything Declan Bogue Mick O'Dwyer, legendary Kerry GAA manager and footballer, has died aged 88 Freeback again 'In ways it’s another game but it’s an opportunity to play in front of 60,000 plus' Crowley yet to agree new contract but 'hopes to continue' with Munster Points On Board Tipperary and Clare get first wins in Munster U20 hurling championship Standing Room Only Up to seven Munster senior hurling games set to sell out amid high demand for tickets Munster duo and Connacht's Tucker join O'Connell's coaching team for Ireland's summer tour more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online Sign in or create a free account To continue reading create a free account Or sign into an existing account