Grand National 2025: I Am Maximus heads confirmations for Aintree race

Mullins has a strong squad which also includes Nick Rockett and Grangeclare West towards the top of the weights, although Capodanno was not confirmed for the race on Monday.

Mr Incredible has been barred from running after either being pulled up or refusing to race in his last four outings.

Others who were guaranteed a run but have not taken up the option are L'Homme Presse, Minella Drama and Velvet Elvis.

Gavin Cromwell, who trains Velvet Elvis, will still be strongly represented with Cheltenham Festival winner Stumptown, Perceval Legallois and Vanillier, the second-place finisher in 2023.

A strong Irish contingent includes bargain buy Hewick, who cost just £800 and won the King George VI Chase in 2023, plus last year's third-place finisher and 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo, and the 2024 Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles.

Rachael Blackmore, the only female jockey to win the race when she triumphed in 2021 aboard Minella Times, is likely to ride Minella Indo or Senior Chief for trainer Henry de Bromhead.

The 14-times British champion trainer Paul Nicholls has five contenders as seeks a second win in the race - Kandoo Kid, Bravemansgame, Threeunderthrufive, Hitman and Stay Away Fay.

Stable jockey Harry Cobden rides Kandoo Kid, with Bryony Frost aboard Stay Away Fay.

Iroko has been aimed at the race all season by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, while the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Beauport will carry the colours of Bryan and Philippa Burrough, whose Corbiere won in 1983 as Jenny Pitman became the first female trainer to triumph.

Twiston-Davies, who has won the race twice before, is also set to saddle Broadway Boy.

Following the withdrawals, Celebre d'Allen, Three Card Brag and Twig are now guaranteed a run.

A decision has still to be made on who takes the 34th and final spot between Duffle Coat, Shakem Up'Arry - owned by former football manager Harry Redknapp - and Roi Mage, who are all due to carry 10st 4lb.

The place will go to the horse with the highest current rating and if two or more have the same, a random ballot will take place.

Click here to read article