Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Bookies ‘very wary’ of Willie Mullins’ 20-1 Grand National tip he said ‘looked like the winner’ of £1m race

Published on March 31, 2025 at 02:10 PM

Willie Mullins' Grand National jockey bookings revealed but horse he 'really likes' missing from squad

BOOKIES are ‘very wary' of a 20-1 Willie Mullins Grand National tip the trainer said ‘looked like the winner' of last year's £1million race.

Mullins has found it impossible to hide his love for JP McManus' Meetingofthewaters.

Trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend holding a trophy after a horse race win.
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend won last year's Grand National – but it is another horse in the green and gold hopes who has caught his eye and the attention of bookies this year

The eight-year-old travelled like a dream under jockey Danny Mullins in last year's contest.

But the youngest horse in the first nine home just ran out of gas on the run-in and ultimately finished seventh – still good enough for £20,000.

Grand National odds via William Hill

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 off a mark of 147 and weight of 10st 8lbs in last year's renewal, which was won by stablemate and McManus horse I Am Maximus.

Meetingofthewaters is a year older and stronger this time and carrying 1lb less, which could prove all the difference on the run to the line.

Mullins immediately picked out Meetingofthewaters as ‘the one I like' when the Grand National weights were revealed in February.

He said: “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 and he has a lovely racing weight.”

And having already seen his odds half from what they opened, William Hill are expecting more money to come for him ahead of Saturday.

Spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “It’s Grand National week and our eyes are firmly fixed on the main race on Saturday afternoon, with our Grand National book looking dominated by the Irish.

“Joint 8-1 favourite Stumptown is our worst result and he’s been very popular ever since romping to Cheltenham glory in the Cross Country for William Hill Ambassador, Gavin Cromwell.

“We’re also very wary of a Mullins horse, but interestingly it’s not defending champion I Am Maximus.

“Meetingofthewaters was a huge plunge horse in last year’s National, and although he looks to be coming to this year’s race more under the radar, he is a big loser for us and one we’re taking seriously at 20-1, Non-Runner Money Back.

“Hewick has definitely been this year’s big ante-post gamble in the National, and he’s one we’re going to need to get beat.

“He’s very much a punters’ favourite with his plucky underdog backstory, and there’s even a chance he goes off favourite if the sun continues to shine and the ground dries out to his liking.”

Grand National 2025 confirmed runners (ahead of final decs 10am Thursday)

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

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to Flying Eze. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

Prev Article

‘Shown us what courage means’ – Ex-Arsenal star, 29, rips up contract after being diagnosed with rare brain condition

Next Article

Tragic Emile Soleil’s body ‘kept in freezer’, top cop suggests in ANOTHER shock update after grandparents arrested

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *