Grand National 2025: Could Gavin Cromwell Have The First Three Home?

The Grand National is one of the most famous horse races in the world, and trainers, owners, and jockeys all dream of winning it.

One man, more than most, is trainer Gavin Cromwell, who hopes to add the Aintree showpiece to his name in 2025.

Fresh from winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, the Irishman has three of the most popular horses with betting sites set to line up.

Stumptown, Vanillier and Perceval Legallois are all fancied to run big races, but will they be able to make history and give their trainer the first three home?

Here, we go through the trio's chances and the best prices available with betting apps.

Stumptown

The shortest-priced runner from the Cromwell yard is Cheltenham Festival winner, Stumptown.

The 8-year-old is undefeated in his last four races, most recently the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham last month.

That was one of the week's most impressive performances, as he bolted clear of his rivals to the line to win by an easy seven lengths.

His stamina reserves were proven on that occasion, so the marathon trip in the National holds no fear.

In the aftermath, he was immediately put to the head of the market with horse racing betting sites.

Now regarded as the 8/1 joint second favourite with Bet365, he has a great chance of giving Cromwell his first win in the race.

Perceval Legallois

At 12/1, Perceval Legallois is considered Cromwell's number two in the race.

The progressive 8-year-old is also a member of owner JP McManus' strong squad in the race and will have the assistance of recent Gold Cup-winning jockey Mark Walsh in the saddle.

He has been laid out for this race all season, winning a hot handicap chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and following up with another win over hurdles in February.

Cromwell decided not to send him to Cheltenham, meaning he will be lining up here fresh.

His jumping is reasonably sound, and he carries a nice weight, making him a decent each-way chance.

Vanillier

If Stumptown was one of the most impressive performers at Cheltenham, Vanillier has to be considered the most unlucky.

The popular grey was taking on his stablemate in the Cross Country Chase and was bounding along in front until his jockey Sean Flanagan was close to taking the wrong course.

That saw him go from first to last, instantly, putting paid to any chance of winning.

It was impressive that he finished third after staying on late, and he would have given his fellow Cromwell charge plenty to deal with but for the error.

He is the only one of the trio with Grand National experience, finishing a fine second in 2023 before a 14th-place effort last year.

That will stand him in good stead, and he may surprise a few this year.