Willie Mullins’ Grand National Jockey Bookings Unveiled, But His Favorite Horse Misses the Squad
Betting enthusiasts are keenly observing a 20-1 tip from Willie Mullins for the Grand National, a horse he described as looking “like the winner” in last year’s thrilling £1 million race. Mullins has made no secret of his admiration for JP McManus’ horse, Meetingofthewaters, who he holds in particularly high regard.
In the previous year, Mullins, alongside jockey Paul Townend, triumphed in the Grand National, but this time around, another contender in the iconic green and gold colors has captured his attention, as well as that of the bookmakers. The eight-year-old Meetingofthewaters demonstrated promise during last year’s race, where he was piloted by jockey Danny Mullins. He travelled exceptionally well but ultimately fell short, finishing seventh after running out of steam in the closing stages, still earning a respectable £20,000 for his efforts.
Current Grand National Odds via William Hill
Here are the latest odds:
- 8-1 Stumptown, Iroko
- 9-1 Intense Raffles, Hewick
- 10-1 I Am Maximus
- 12-1 Vanillier
- 14-1 Perceval Legallois
- 20-1 Meetingofthewaters, Hyland, Kandoo Kid
- 25-1 bar
Meetingofthewaters ran at a mark of 147 with a weight of 10st 8lbs in last year’s contest, which was ultimately claimed by his stablemate and fellow McManus horse, I Am Maximus. This year, Meetingofthewaters returns a year older, stronger, and carrying 1lb less weight, which could make a significant difference in the race’s final moments.
When the Grand National weights were unveiled in February, Mullins was quick to identify Meetingofthewaters as “the one I like.” He remarked, “My eye was drawn to him when I saw his weight. Last year, he was looking almost like the winner coming to the second-last; he was certainly going well within himself. He’s a year older and stronger now, and he has a lovely racing weight.”
William Hill has noted a sharp decline in Meetingofthewaters’ odds since they first opened, indicating that they expect even more support for him as Saturday approaches. Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, stated, “It’s Grand National week, and our focus is firmly on the main event this Saturday afternoon, where our Grand National book appears heavily influenced by the Irish horses.”
Phelps continued, “Joint 8-1 favorite Stumptown is our worst result, having gained immense popularity after his impressive victory at Cheltenham in the Cross Country for William Hill Ambassador, Gavin Cromwell. Interestingly, we’re particularly cautious about a Mullins horse, though it’s not the defending champion, I Am Maximus. Meetingofthewaters was a significant gamble in last year’s National, and while he seems to be flying under the radar this time, he remains a considerable liability for us at 20-1, Non-Runner Money Back.”
Furthermore, Hewick has emerged as this year’s standout ante-post gamble in the National, and he is another contender the bookmakers are keen to see defeated. His compelling underdog narrative has made him a favorite among punters, and if the weather remains favorable and the ground dries out, he may even start as the favorite.
Confirmed Runners for the Grand National 2025
- I Am Maximus
- Royale Pagaille
- Nick Rockett
- Grangeclare West
- Hewick
- Minella Indo
- Appreciate It
- Minella Cocooner
- Conflated
- Stumptown
- Hitman
- Beauport
- Bravemansgame
- Chantry House
- Threeunderthrufive
- Perceval Legallois
- Kandoo Kid
- Iroko
- Intense Raffles
- Senior Chief
- Idas Boy
- Fil Dor
- Broadway Boy
- Coko Beach
- Stay Away Fay
- Meetingofthewaters
- Monbeg Genius
- Vanillier
- Horantzau D’Airy
- Hyland
- Celebre D’Allen
- Three Card Brag
- Twig
- Duffle Coat
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