Horses and riders prepare at the start of the Grand National Hanidap Chase(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Grand National 2025 winner: Nick Rockett storms to dramatic victory - full Aintree result

Nick Rockett came away victorious in the Grand National 2025 at Aintree in the hotly contested showpiece event of the three-day festival, beating competition from last year's winner I am Maximus

by · The Mirror

Nick Rockett won the Grand National 2025 for Willie Mullins as his son, amateur jockey Patrick Mullins, rode to victory. The legendary trainer earned a one-two-three for trainer as I Am Maximus finished second and Grangeclare West finished third.

I Am Maximus under the guidance of Paul Townend attempted to follow a similar plan to his 2024 triumph, sticking to the rail and put in a valiant attempt to retain his title. But Nick Rockett finished strong to hold off the competition resulting in touching scenes for the Mullins family.

I am Maximus came into the field as favourite, and looking to deliver a repeat of last year's winning performance for Willie Mullin, but Iroko claimed that title moments before the race got underway. Perceval Legallois and Stumptown were also among the most fancied horses heading into the race at Aintree.

The showpiece event of three-day festival captures the imagination of the racing world like few others. A busy field of 34 runners contend over 16 fences as 800 million people watch on television around the world.

And there was no shortage of storylines heading into the race. JP McManus was looking for a fourth win as an owner – I Am Maximus, Iroko, Perceval Legallois, Meetingofthewaters and Chantry House were all at his disposal – while champion trainer Nicky Henderson was still looking for his first victory and popular horse Hewick's journey continued having cost just £800 in a prestigious field.

There is no shortage of celebration on the final day of the Grand National Festival( Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP)
The Grand National serves up plenty of anxious moments for punters( Image: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Broadway Boy did much of the early running at the front of the race, while Perceval Legallois fell in the opening half of the race as the field separated. Broadway Boy fell just after the 3-mile mark and was unable to sustain his presence at the front.

Despite the race’s popularity throughout much of Britain, there are still huge calls for it to be banned. Animal rights campaigners and charities have long been pushing for the race to end, believing it to be too dangerous.

The 2023 National was infamously delayed for more than 10 minutes when protestors from the Animal Rising group entered the track. Three horses died in that race, but widespread and radical changes have been implemented.

Organisers of the race have made fences lower and drops shorter to increase the safety with all entrants returning home safe last year. Since 2013, fences have also had softer plastic centres to make them safer.

The number of runners have also been reduced, with the last two runs at 34, down six from the traditional 40 at the starting line.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.

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