Grand National 2025: Aintree Field Takes Shape After Monday's Confirmation Stage

The field for the 2025 Grand National is taking shape following the confirmation stage on Monday.

Four horses have been taken out of contention, including Venetia Williams-trained L'Homme Presse. Gavin Cromwell's Velvet Elvis, along with Minella Drama and Capodanno, were also not confirmed.

Two further horses have also not been confirmed- Fontaine Collonges and Quick Wave.

The latest confirmation stage will come as good news for followers of Hyland, Monbeg Genius, Vanillier, Horantzau D'Airy, and Celebre D'Allen, who are all guaranteed a run.

Three Card Brag has also made the cut, as well as Twig. The final runner in the field, if no more horses come out, is Duffle Coat for trainer Gordon Elliott.

Gordon Elliott has announced that Sean Bowen will take the ride on his leading chance in this year's National- Three Card Brag.

The announcement was made after Jack Kennedy is set to miss the remainder of the season.

Bowen is already on course to win the Jockeys' Championship this season, and a first win in the Grand National could cap a memorable season.

Three Card Brag has won once from six starts over fences, and was last seen chasing home Better Days Ahead in the G2 Novice Chase at Navan in February.

Paul Nicholls was handed a setback on Monday, as Bryony Frost ruled herself out of taking the ride on Stay Away Fay in this weekend's National.

However, Paul O'Brien is now confirmed to take the ride on the eight-year-old.

Stay Away Fay is a huge outsider for the race this weekend after running below his best on his last two efforts. The latest of those came when finishing eleventh in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Leading Grand National hope Stumptown will have new headgear for his shot at history this weekend, according to Gavin Cromwell.

Last month's Cross Country Chase winner will have re-equipped blinkers on Saturday to help him 'keep up' with the opposition.

Cromwell is unsure whether the 8/1 shot will have the speed to compete at Aintree. When asked about his yard's chance, he said, "Whether it’s a favourite’s chance, though, I’m not too sure."

Some may be concerned about the addition of blinkers, as he hasn't worn them in his rich vein of form over his last five starts and has only run with the headgear in three of his 24 career starts.

A mouth-watering clash is set for the opening day of the Grand National Festival, as Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth will collide in the Aintree Hurdle.

Brighterdaysahead wasn't declared on Tuesday, with connections indicating that the mare will be heading to Punchestown. However, Martin Pipe winner Wodhooh takes her chance in the race.

Thursday's card kicks off with the Manifesto Novices' Chase, with Jango Baie, Impaire Et Passe, and Croke Park all declared. Hanstands and Dancing City were both left out of the entries.

Ante-post favourite Lulamba was also a notable name missing in the field for the 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, while Hello Neighbour and Lady Vega Allen also weren't entered. Live Conti and Puturhandstogether head the betting.

Gaelic Warrior, Spillane's Tower, and Grey Dawing have all been entered for the Bowl Chase.