The Grand National Hurdle 2025 Preview
What is The Grand National Hurdle?
The Grand National Hurdle takes place at Sandown Lakeside over a testing 4200 metres in a handicap format in late July or early August. It’s run on turf and is a left-handed track. With $250,000 in prize money up for grabs, this race attracts top-class handicappers, making it one of the standouts on the winter jump racing calendar in Victoria.
Previous Winners of The Grand National Hurdle
The Grand National Hurdle has produced some ripper performances in recent years, with Affluential taking out the 2024 edition for trainer John Leek and jockey Will Gordon. In 2023, San Remo pulled off a shock win, giving jockey Aaron Kuru his second victory in the race. Back in 2022, the seasoned jumper Saunter Boy, trained by Ciaron Maher and Eustace, powered home under Steven Pateman to notch a well-deserved win after overcoming early trouble.
Desert Master
Going further back, Desert Master claimed the 2009 running in a tight finish, highlighting the grit often needed to win this gruelling 4200-metre test. The Grand National Hurdle continues to attract the country’s best jumpers.
Latest Odds
The Cunning Fox heads the market at $3.50 for the win with Tom Ryan aboard for trainers Patrick and Michelle Payne. He’s followed closely by Affluential at $3.80, with Will Gordon riding for John Leek Jnr, while Loft, trained by Shane Jackson and ridden by Sean Flanagan, is next in line at $5.50. Highland Blaze, also trained by Jackson and to be ridden by Jordan Hart, sits at $6.00 after some consistent recent form.
Other Runners
The Mighty Spar, guided by William McCarthy for Mike Walker, is also well-supported at $6.50. Right Now, under Arron Lynch for trainer Steve Laming, is a longshot at $23.00. Stablemate Prismatic, also from the Walker yard and ridden by Dean Parker, sits at $23.00 as well. Further out in the market are Gambu at $51.00 for Eric Musgrove and Vadarchie at $81.00 for Aaron Laing, with Cillin Leonard in the saddle.
Tips for The Grand National Hurdle 2025
The pickabookie.com.au selection for the race is The Cunning Fox. It is hard to go against the favourite which has shown so seriously impressive form this campaign, including 3 wins from 8 starts. Will be interesting to see how much support there is on the day for the gelding. Worth noting that the jockey is 3/3 when on board!
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