Cathryn Fry enjoyed a Day 1 Treble at Aintree on Thursday , and is back ahead of Grand National 2025, giving her expert insight ahead of the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Grand National Day 2025: Cathryn Fry’s Expert View
Even if you’re not lucky enough to be on Merseyside for the ‘shop window’ into our often closed door sport; the buzz that I feel on Grand National Day is still the same as it was when I was a kid.
I didn’t get to Aintree, until my early twenties but from a very young age, I would struggle to sleep the night before the National. I’d be up late checking the colours, my selections and dream of being there. Not only did I get there but I had the pleasure of being part of the Aintree team for five Grand National meetings.
Walking into Aintree for the first time I was bowled over to see the iconic old weighing room right in front of me, just like in the opening scene of the film Champions. Back then, it was still in use as a weighing room. The first person I rang was my late Father: “Dad, guess where I am?!”. All those years of watching old Nationals and knowing the stories of Aintree had got me the gig, I owed him a call.
I was overcome with emotion and had a plethora of my favourite National commentaries ringing in my ears. I’ve hidden a few in this article as nostalgia runs deep with this meeting – there is always a story behind the National.
Grand National Day 2025: Aintree Memories
“It’s Aldaniti in the lead but being pressed now by Spartan Missile. It’s Aldaniti from Spartan Missile and here comes John Thorne, 54 year old John Thorne putting in a storming finish. It’s Aldaniti from Spartan Missile. Aldaniti is gonna win it, at the line, Aldaniti wins the National!” Sir Peter O’ Sullevan, April 1981.
Grand National 2025: Park of Kings
Park Of Kings (1.20) was last seen finishing fifth to star mare Wodhooh at the Festival in the Martin Pipe. Retained rider Mark Walsh takes over here. Stepping back up to three miles will suit. Ground won’t be an issue and the track will assist the step up in trip. Currently 16/1 in a competitive handicap.
“Rutherfords has been hampered, and so has Castle Falls; Rondetto has fallen, Princeful has fallen, Norther has fallen, Kirtle Lad has fallen, The Fossa has fallen, there’s a right pile-up… And now, with all this mayhem, Foinavon has gone off on his own! He’s about 50, 100 yards in front of everything else!” Michael O’Heir, April 1967
With all respect to Teahupoo, I think the ground will be too quick for him here. A horse that I felt that really stepped up at Cheltenham was his stablemate: The Wallpark (4.00), I think he can take the honours here. Ground and trip are both perfect for him.
Grand National 2025: The Big One
Right, the big one, you get two picks, due to the size of the field! That was always the rule in our house, anyway! Firstly, if Hewick (4.00) is to ever win a Grand National, it’s this one. He loves ground like a road. We know he can stay, too. It’s great to see Gavin Sheehan reunited with him, Gavin had a real resurgence last season and it shows in his riding. What a story it would be if Hewick won – bought for 800E, drinks Guinness and trained by one of characters of Irish racing just back off serving a ban that left him with hardly any horses.
Remember Bindaree winning in 2002? If he hadn’t have won, Nigel Twiston-Davies would have stopped training at the end of that season. My second choice is Perceval Legallois, the old spin them over hurdles and win after winning a decent staying chase trick. Gets in on a lovely weight and I feel his trainer Gavin Cromwell is about to become the second most successful trainer in Ireland. Connections played a blinder in winning the Gold Cup this year, I think they may have done the same trick here too.
They’re willing him home now! The 12-year-old Red Rum, being preceded only by loose horses, being chased by Churchtown Boy… They’re coming to the elbow, just a furlong now between Red Rum and his third Grand National triumph! It’s hats off and a tremendous reception, you’ve never heard one like it at Liverpool… Red Rum wins the National! (Sir Peter O’Sullevan, April 1977) Wherever you are spending Grand National Day, enjoy it. Let’s support the great race while we still can.
Grand National 2025 Picks – 7 Places with kwiff
Hewick to win The National @ 9.0 with kwiff
Perceval Legallois to win The National @ 9.0 with kwiff
By Cathryn Fry
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