Grand National 2025: Scholfield Hopeful of Career-Best Effort From Monbeg Genius

The Grand National gives all involved the opportunity to dream. Therefore, it is no surprise that Nick Scholfield is quietly optimistic about his chances in this year's Aintree feature.

The jockey will take the ride on Mongbeg Genius for the Jonjo & AJ O'Neill team. The nine-year-old has rediscovered his best form since finishing third in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, and was most recently seen winning by five lengths at Uttoxeter at the start of March.

Speaking on Monday's Nick Luck Daily, Scholfield said: “He’s got some classy form. He had some issues last year, but Jonjo has done well to get him back to where he was, and you’ve got to be on that mark to get in the race now – it’s all about fine margins, but it looks like it’s just about to come right.”

Monbeg Genius is currently priced up at 25/1 with bet365 to win the Grand National in 2025.

While Jonjo & AJ O'Neill will be hopeful of training the winner, Jonjo Jr has a leading hope based on the current odds for the National next Saturday.

The jockey enjoyed an excellent Cheltenham Festival this year, winning the Triumph Hurdle with a 100/1 outsider. However, his ride in the National will be more competitively priced.

Iroko is the current second favourite in the National betting, and connections are hopeful of a big effort. Speaking on Luck on Sunday, O'Neill said: "Iroko has got a nice weight, and I think he'll get the trip.

"You obviously don't know until you go that extended distance but I wouldn't want to be swapping him. He will give himself every chance to stay."

The Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerreiro runner is currently available at 8/1.

Gordon Elliott didn't enjoy the best of times at the Cheltenham Festival this year, but he could be set to make amends at Aintree next week.

Courtesy of David Jennings in the Racing Post, the Irish trainer has revealed that Aintree could be on the agenda for Brighterdaysahead.

Her involvement will set tongues wagging, as a potential Champion Hurdle rematch with Constitution Hill could be on the cards in the Aintree Hurdle.

The six-year-old was a disappointing fourth at Cheltenham earlier this month, and connections have already revealed that the plan is to go chasing with their stable star in 2025-26.

The Elliott yard could also be represented by Teahupoo in the Liverpool Hurdle over three miles next month. Teahupoo was a well-backed favourite for the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham, but could only finish second behind Bob Olinger.

Elliott also revealed on Monday that Galvin has been retired. The 13-time winner was pulled up in the Cross Country on his latest start, but was a shining light for the stable over fences after winning the G1 Savills Chase in 2021.

Connections had been hopeful of a run in the Grand National next month after finishing an excellent fourth in the Aintree feature in 2024.

The eleven-year-old was also second in the American National, and was a winner in Grade Three company at Punchestown in October 2022.

Elliott posted the news on X, and said: "Thanks for the memories Galvin."