Nick Rockett, an eight-year-old Irish gelding, claimed victory at the 2025 Randox Grand National, held at Aintree Racecourse on April 5. Ridden by amateur jockey Patrick Mullins and trained by Willie Mullins, the gelding crossed the line 2.5 lengths ahead of the reigning champion I Am Maximus. The win delivered a 33/1 upset and marked a historic family achievement in one of horseracing’s most prestigious events.
The race attracted 34 runners over the iconic 4-mile, 2-furlong course, with Nick Rockett prevailing under Good to Soft conditions. The Mullins family celebrated a rare double, with father Willie overseeing three of the top four finishers while son Patrick piloted the winner to glory.
Who Won the Grand National 2025?
- Nick Rockett delivered a 33/1 upset victory, surpassing the 2024 winner I Am Maximus by 2.5 lengths
- The win completed a rare father-son double, with Patrick Mullins riding and Willie Mullins training
- Willie Mullins trained three of the first four finishers, dominating the placings
- The winning time of 9 minutes 6.14 seconds reflected the demanding Good to Soft going
- Patrick Mullins, an amateur jockey, outperformed professional riders in one of racing’s toughest tests
- The victory earned £500,000 for connections from the £1 million total prize fund
- Nick Rockett moved to the front at the final fence, executing a decisive finish
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | April 5, 2025, 16:00 BST |
| Venue | Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool |
| Distance | 4 miles 2 furlongs 74 yards |
| Going | Good to Soft (turf) |
| Runners | 34 |
| Winning Time | 9 minutes 6.14 seconds |
| Prize Fund | £1,000,000 |
| Winner’s Purse | £500,000 |
Full Grand National 2025 Results
Willie Mullins emerged as the dominant force at the 2025 Grand National, with his training operation filling three of the top four positions. The Irish trainer’s remarkable showing underscored his yard’s strength in staying chases ahead of the annual meeting.
Top Six Finishers
| Pos | Horse | Age | Weight | Trainer | Jockey | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Nick Rockett (IRE) | 8 | 11-8 | W.P. Mullins | Mr. P.W. Mullins | 33/1 |
| 2nd | I Am Maximus (FR) | 9 | 11-12 | W.P. Mullins | Paul Townend | 7/1 |
| 3rd | Grangeclare West (IRE) | 9 | 11-8 | W.P. Mullins | Brian Hayes | 33/1 |
| 4th | Iroko (FR) | 7 | 10-11 | Greenall & Guerriero | Jonjo O’Neill Jr. | 13/2 Fav |
| 5th | Meetingofthewaters (IRE) | 8 | 10-7 | W.P. Mullins | Danny Mullins | 20/1 |
| 6th | Senior Chief | 8 | 10-10 | Henry de Bromhead | Darragh O’Keeffe | 40/1 |
Notable Non-Finishers
Several prominent contenders failed to complete the course. Horses pulled up during the race included Royale Pagaille, Coko Beach, Stay Away Fay, Intense Raffles, Threeunderthrufive, Celebre d’Allen, Conflated, Idas Boy, Hitman, Monbeg Genius, Stumptown, Fil Dor, and Hyland. Further down the order, Vanillier finished 14th, Bravemansgame 15th, and Chantry House 16th.
The Grand National results reflected the exceptional depth of the Willie Mullins operation. His horses occupied first, second, third, fifth, and seventh positions, with Patrick Mullins delivering a textbook ride aboard Nick Rockett.
Key Details of the 2025 Winner
Nick Rockett represents a relatively youthful eight-year-old in Grand National terms, having been bred in Ireland by Stewart and Sadie. The gelding’s victory at 33/1 odds surprised many observers, though the result validated the judgement of the Mullins team who knew the horse’s capabilities intimately. More coverage of major sporting events is available in our preview section.
Odds and Payouts
The 33/1 starting price meant Nick Rockett returned £34 for every £1 wagered. A £10 each-way bet at those odds would have netted £340 including stake, with the win portion calculated at 33/1 and the place portion determined by the number of runners and specific bookmaker terms.
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | £500,000 |
| 2nd | £200,000 |
| 3rd | £100,000 |
| 4th | £65,000 |
Owner and Background
Nick Rockett is owned by Stewart and Sadie, whose investment in the eight-year-old gelding proved remarkably rewarding. The horse competes under the Irish Aintract flag and has developed a reputation for performing strongly over the unique Aintree fences that test both jumping ability and stamina.
Patrick Mullins, who rode Nick Rockett to victory, holds an amateur jockey licence. His success alongside professional riders in the world’s most demanding handicap chase represents a rare achievement in modern racing, where few amateurs compete at this level.
Grand National 2025 Race Facts
The Randox Grand National Handicap Chase, officially designated as the Premier Handicap with GBB Race status, holds Class 1 classification. The race began precisely at 16:00 BST, with the 34-horse field dispatched in traditional Grand National fashion.
The course featured 30 fences over the marathon 4-mile, 2-furlong, 74-yard distance. Track conditions were described as Good to Soft, meaning the ground had dried sufficiently from recent rainfall but retained moisture beneath the surface. This going typically favors horses with sufficient stamina and those comfortable jumping on a yielding surface.
The winning time of 9 minutes 6.14 seconds reflects the demanding nature of the course and the testing conditions. Each fence at Aintree presents its own challenge, with the Becher’s Brook and Canal Turn among the most notorious obstacles requiring both precision and courage from horse and jockey.
While the official going was Good to Soft, conditions evolved throughout the afternoon. Officials maintained close monitoring of the course, with any significant changes communicated to connections before the race commenced.
The 2025 Grand National: Race Day Timeline
The Grand National meeting at Aintree unfolds across three days, with the feature race occupying the Saturday afternoon slot. The 2025 renewal followed the established pattern, building anticipation toward the 16:00 BST start time.
- Pre-race morning: Final declarations confirmed 34 runners, with I Am Maximus installed as 7/1 favourite ahead of the Mullins contingent
- Midday: Official inspections confirmed Good to Soft going, with all 30 fences checked and declared safe
- 15:30 BST: The pre-race parade began, with Nick Rockett settling calmly among the runners
- 16:00 BST: The race started, with the field charging toward the first fence
- Mid-race: Multiple fallers and pull-ups reduced the field, with Nick Rockett positioned patiently before moving forward
- Final circuit: Nick Rockett emerged as a serious contender, travelling strongly through the closing fences
- Last fence: Patrick Mullins asked his mount for maximum effort, with Nick Rockett asserting at the final obstacle
- Photo finish: The gelding crossed 2.5 lengths clear, with I Am Maximus holding second ahead of Grangeclare West
Established Facts and Unconfirmed Details
The Grand National result was confirmed swiftly following the race, with official sources from The Jockey Club and Racing Post providing consistent details. However, some peripheral information requires careful verification.
| Confirmed Information | Unverified Reports |
|---|---|
| Winner: Nick Rockett, 33/1 odds | Pre-race fitness reports for individual horses remain unconfirmed |
| Official result from The Jockey Club | Stewards inquiry status pending official documentation |
| Winning time: 9:06.14 | Some social media claims remain inaccurate |
| First three finishers confirmed | Detailed veterinary reports not yet published |
The Grand National 2025 in Context
Nick Rockett’s victory marked the third consecutive year an Irish-trained horse claimed the Grand National, continuing the dominance of cross-channel trainers at Aintree. The result also repeated a family theme, with the Mullins household echoing the achievement of other dynasties who have tasted success in racing’s toughest test.
The 2025 edition attracted significant attention given I Am Maximus’s presence as reigning champion. His second-place finish demonstrated the consistency required to compete at this level, though Nick Rockett’s superior finishing effort proved decisive when it mattered most.
Willie Mullins, based in Closutton, County Carlow, has built an operation capable of targeting the world’s major staying chases. His success at Aintree complemented earlier festival victories at Cheltenham, where his horses claimed multiple prizes during the April meeting.
Reactions and Official Statements
“This is a dream come true. Nick Rockett jumped beautifully and Patrick gave him a tremendous ride. To share this moment as a family makes it even more special.”
— Willie Mullins, speaking post-race at Aintree
The emotional response from Willie Mullins resonated throughout the racing community. His son Patrick, riding as an amateur, demonstrated the same tactical nous that has characterised his father’s training philosophy, positioning Nick Rockett perfectly before the decisive final-fence surge.
“He travelled so well throughout and when I asked him at the last, he found a second wind. The team have done everything right with him.”
— Patrick Mullins, winner’s enclosure
The official race commentary noted the quality of Mullins’s preparation, with Nick Rockett appearing fresh and responsive throughout the demanding test. Sources at the track confirmed the horse returned to the winner’s enclosure in excellent condition.
Final Thoughts on the Grand National 2025
The 2025 Grand National delivered one of its most dramatic finishes in recent memory, with Nick Rockett and Patrick Mullins writing their names into Aintree folklore. The victory rewarded patient positioning and calculated risk-taking, attributes that define successful Grand National challengers. Willie Mullins’s dominance of the finish ensured the result reflected his operation’s comprehensive preparation rather than any single factor. For those seeking detailed historical analysis of Grand National results, numerous resources document the evolution of this remarkable event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there highlights from the Grand National 2025?
Official highlights from the 2025 Grand National are available through racing broadcasters and the AintreeRacecourse website. The footage captures Nick Rockett’s decisive run from the final fence to the finish line.
How much prize money did the Grand National 2025 winner receive?
Nick Rockett’s connections received £500,000 from a total prize fund of £1,000,000. The runner-up I Am Maximus earned £200,000, with third place receiving £100,000.
Who was the jockey for the 2025 Grand National winner?
Patrick Mullins, riding under his amateur designation as Mr. P.W. Mullins, piloted Nick Rockett to victory. He is the son of trainer Willie Mullins.
What were the winning odds for the Grand National 2025?
Nick Rockett started at odds of 33/1, meaning those who backed the winner received £34 for every £1 wagered.
When did the 2025 Grand National take place?
The race was run on Saturday, April 5, 2025, starting at 16:00 BST. The meeting formed part of the three-day Aintree Festival.
How many runners competed in the 2025 Grand National?
The race featured 34 runners at the start. Of these, approximately half completed the course, with others falling or being pulled up during the marathon event.