The National Hunt season is now cranking up a notch, and it won’t be long till the excitement really starts to build for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and Grand National. These events draw attention from casual viewers and seasoned bettors alike. With that in mind, here are five horses to watch in the lead-up to these prestigious races.
I Am Maximus
Having clinched victory in the 2024 Grand National, I Am Maximus is already a household name among racing fans. With a career prize of £869,842, he is a crowd favourite and has impressive credentials that make him a strong contender for 2025. His performance at Aintree has set high expectations, and he currently heads the runners as the 16/1 favourite for the upcoming Grand National.
Minella Cocooner
Another horse to watch is Minella Cocooner, who won this year’s bet365 Gold Cup. With a career prize money of £286,989, he has demonstrated his ability to compete at high levels. Although he did not participate in the Grand National last year, his consistent performance in other races makes him a name to remember as the racing season progresses.
Delta Work
Delta Work is another strong contender that should not be overlooked. Known for his resilience and competitive spirit, he has previously placed well in major races, most notably the Cheltenham Festival’s Cross Country Chase as a two-time winner. His experience on the big stage gives him an edge over less seasoned competitors, making him a horse to watch closely as the Festival approaches, despite being 11 years of age.
Galopin Des Champs
Rising star Galopin Des Champs has quickly made a name for himself with his remarkable performances at previous Festivals, most recently in the 2023 and 2024 Gold Cup races. His ability to navigate challenging courses and maintain speed makes him a formidable opponent. As he gears up for the Cheltenham Festival, expectations are high that he will deliver another outstanding performance. Indeed, he is the ante-post favourite to make it a hat-trick of Cheltenham Gold Cup wins.
Minella Indo
Last but certainly not least, Minella Indo is known for his strong finishes and tactical racing style. Having previously gone close in some big races, including a third place in the Grand National, he brings both experience and skill to the table. His training regime leading up to the Festival will be crucial in determining his readiness for competition.
Keep an eye on these five horses and you’re sure to experience plenty of drama and excitement in the months ahead.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.