Thousands of fans, millions in wagers, and one unforgettable race — Grand National 2025 once again made history. Held at the iconic Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, April 5, this year’s event wasn’t just another chapter in Britain’s long-standing racing tradition. It was a spectacle that united punters, sports lovers, and style-watchers alike. From record-breaking attendance to massive payouts at the UK bookmakers at FIRST.com, the 2025 edition had everything needed to captivate a nation — and beyond.
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Attendance and Scale: Bigger Than Ever
Aintree welcomed a sea of spectators in 2025, with the Grand National proving that its cultural grip on the UK is as firm as ever. The numbers tell a story of growing enthusiasm and global attention.
Grand National 2025 By the Numbers
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | Notes |
| On-Site Attendance | 73,500 | 70,900 | Highest recorded since 2016 |
| UK TV Viewership | 9.1 million | 8.6 million | Peak during the final stretch |
| Global Online Stream Views | 3.2 million | 2.5 million | Significant rise via mobile platforms |
| X (Twitter) Mentions | 712,000 (race day) | 645,000 | Top trending topic in the UK for 6 hours |
These numbers reflect more than just crowd size. They capture the ever-expanding reach of the Grand National — from living rooms in London to digital streams across Europe and Asia. Social platforms buzzed as underdogs surged, favorites stumbled, and hats made headlines once again.
The Race Results: A Champion Emerges
Every Grand National has its hero, and in 2025, that title belongs to Midnight Ember, a 9-year-old gelding trained by Alice Hammond and ridden by jockey Tom Marlow. The win came in a surprising photo finish that kept fans breathless until the very end.
Key Results from Grand National 2025
| Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Starting Price |
| 1st | Midnight Ember | Tom Marlow | Alice Hammond | 16/1 |
| 2nd | Bramble Breaker | Liam Conway | Charlie Fellows | 33/1 |
| 3rd | Silver Templar | Nina Harris | Jamie O’Connell | 20/1 |
| Favourite | Thunder’s Mark | Jack Doyle | John Henderson | 7/1 |
Midnight Ember’s win shocked many punters, especially as he wasn’t even in the top five most-backed horses. Thunder’s Mark, the favorite, ran a strong race but struggled in the final furlong. Three horses unseated their riders early, adding unexpected drama to the already intense circuit.
Betting Buzz: Big Wins and Long Odds
For punters, the Grand National is more than a race — it’s a national betting holiday. Bookmakers across the UK saw a sharp spike in activity, with soft toy slot lovers and professional bettors alike placing their stakes on one of the most unpredictable races of the year.
Betting Highlights from the 2025 Race
- Total Wagered (UK): Estimated £310 million
- Winning Odds (Midnight Ember): 16/1
- Popular Bet Types: Each-way, Forecasts, and Place bets
- Big Win Story: A 24-year-old from Bristol turned a £5 each-way bet on Midnight Ember into a £1,120 return.
Online platforms saw traffic soar in the 48 hours leading up to the race. Promotions on long-shot combinations and mobile-first experiences drew in record participation from younger demographics.
The Grand Atmosphere: Style, Celebrities, and Tradition
Aintree isn’t just about what happens on the turf. The event is a cultural showcase — a blend of pageantry, emotion, and national identity. From the flamboyant fashion to royal appearances, this year didn’t disappoint.
Standout Moments from Aintree 2025
- Fashion Watch: Bold pastels and oversized hats stole the show in the fashion stakes.
- Famous Faces: Actors Idris Elba and Florence Pugh were spotted trackside, alongside several Premier League footballers.
- Traditions Upheld: The singing of “Abide With Me” before the race drew emotional reactions from the crowd.
- Family Focus: Family enclosures and kid-friendly areas reported record turnout, reflecting the event’s wide appeal.
The atmosphere was electric. Rain threatened early on but cleared in time for the main event. Cheers, gasps, and celebrations echoed through the stands, echoing the joy of shared experience and national tradition.
A Race to Remember
Grand National 2025 was everything fans hoped for — competitive, stylish, emotional, and profitable. From unexpected victories on the track to life-changing payouts off it, this year’s event proved once again why it remains the UK’s most beloved horse race. With young stars emerging and betting enthusiasm climbing, the stage is already set for 2026.
One race. One chance. One leap — and maybe, just maybe, your next lucky punt.
