Nick Rockett emerged victorious in the 2025 Grand National at Aintree, with amateur jockey Patrick Mullins guiding him to the finish line. Trainer Willie Mullins achieved a remarkable feat with a one-two-three finish, as I Am Maximus took second place and Grangeclare West claimed third, securing five of the top seven spots for Mullins.
I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, aimed to replicate his 2024 success by sticking to the rail during the race. However, Nick Rockett’s strong finish thwarted his efforts, leading to emotional scenes for the Mullins family.
Willie Mullins struggled to contain his emotions as his son triumphed, shedding tears of joy post-race. Patrick Mullins expressed his elation, stating, “I’m too out of breath to say anything. It is incredible. I got too good a start and had to take him back all the way but he jumped fantastic. It is a dream from when I was a kid. When I was a kid I watched videos so this is very special.”
Despite being the favorite, I Am Maximus fell short of victory, with Iroko, finishing fourth, being the most favored at the start. Perceval Legallois and Stumptown were also popular choices among bettors at the Aintree race.
Broadway Boy led early on, but Perceval Legallois’s fall and Broadway Boy’s subsequent tumble reduced the field to only 16 finishers. I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett emerged as frontrunners, with the latter showcasing superior hurdling skills in the race’s closing stages.
Owner Stewart Andrew expressed his delight at his horse’s unexpected success, stating, “Different class. Everybody had written the horse off, he’d drifted into the betting. He won the best two trials in Ireland easily. He’s a class horse and has the heart of a lion.”
The Grand National, a highlight of the three-day festival, captivates audiences worldwide with 34 runners navigating 16 fences while being watched by millions on TV. Despite its popularity, the race faces criticism from animal rights activists who deem it hazardous.
The event has made safety improvements over the years, including lowering fences and reducing the number of runners to enhance participant welfare. Despite concerns, the Grand National remains a significant event in the horse racing calendar, attracting a global audience and generating compelling storylines each year.