Grand National Q&A: UK’s top tipster names 33-1 punt for £100m race | Racing | Sport
The Grand National is set for another thrilling race. (Image: Getty)
Melissa, aka The Scout, is the current Racing Post National Press Challenge champion after she led the field of 11 tipsters to the finish in 2025. The stamina-sapping competition was based on more than 9,600 selections throughout the year. A good final furlong helped her cause, but Melissa has maintained her form – and set a new record by finishing top of the standings for a fourth month on the trot before tipping this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Gaelic Warrior.
And now, Melissa has answered all the biggest questions regarding the Grand National in the first of our Q&As ahead of Saturday’s big race.
I Am Maximus would be the first winner with top weight since Red Rum in 1974 – do you think he’ll win it again?
The Willie Mullins-trained stayer scored off a handicap mark of 159 in 2024 and went up 8lb to 167 for his double bid 12 months ago. That gave him top weight of 11st 12lb then and he found only stablemate Nick Rockett too good in a 1-2-3-5 finish for his leading Irish stable.
It was a gallant effort from the horse carrying the colours of JP McManus, jump racing’s leading owner who took 28 years to win it with the AP McCoy-ridden Don’t Push It in 2010. I Am Maximus was challenging 12 months ago until he was held in the final 110 yards and the weight may anchor him again, as there are some classy contenders carrying less.
In your opinion which is the current biggest priced horse with the best chance of placing?
My shortlist had nine horses on it and the longest odds runner at current prices is Champ Kiely at 33-1. None of the real outsiders appeal to me as they are either out of form, doubtful stayers or not classy enough.
This horse has captured a Grade One over hurdles and fences, with the latest success over 3m 1f when he was going away at the finish on good to yielding ground.
That was the last time he had the conditions to put in a performance like that, as a softer surface seems to stretch him at the distance. Danny Mullins is back on board, and if the rain stays away, I would be hopeful they can gel again.
I Am Maximus is aiming for a second win in three years in the Grand National race. (Image: Getty)
What advice would you offer to Grand National newbies? What are the main things they should look out for when picking their horse?
First and foremost don’t take betting too seriously and only stake what you can afford. Us pundits take ages looking at all sorts of variables, such as pedigrees, weights, jumping ability, course form, the going, odds and trial races.
If people are completely new to the sport it’s best to keep it simple and go for a horse’s name you like, the colour of the silks or even stick a pin in it as it adds to the fun.
There is too much to learn in a short space of time with 34 runners going to post. Most bookmakers will be offering extra places for the first few horses across the line, so check the terms when you are placing bets. And always back each-way on the National!
Willie Mullins has trained the last two Grand National winners and had eight at Cheltenham last month. What is it that makes him so successful?
He has a huge squad of quality horses and a large number of owners who can spend good money on new equine talent. Think of it like a supersized football team, you always need subs coming on if there are injuries throughout the season.
Even though he sets the bar high, it is said Willie often tries to find little things to improve on. A recent example is applying cheekpieces to Lossiemouth for a piece of work, which gave her extra focus for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
What’s your favourite Grand National memory?
Ballabriggs winning in 2012. I was in my first job at the South Wales Argus, where I juggled working as a news reporter, writing a weekly racing column and articles about some of the local stables. It was really exciting to see the horse I tipped gallop to glory at double-figure odds.
The success extended the McCain family’s association with the race too after wins in 1973, 1974 and 1977 for Red Rum. The grandson of his late trainer Ginger McCain, Toby McCain-Mitchell, makes his race debut riding 66-1 shot Top Of The Bill this year.
