As the festive season fast approaches, all eyes turn to Chepstow and the highly anticipated 2025 Welsh Grand National on December 27.
This isn’t just a marquee race on the calendar — it’s part of a broader tapestry of major National Hunt meetings that define the winter months, slotting neatly between Christmas celebrations and New Year anticipation.
The build-up brings its own sense of tradition: heavy ground, big fields, and the kind of staying stars that thrive when conditions turn testing.
Whether you’re a casual fan enjoying the holiday action or a serious punter tracking every move in the markets, it’s the ideal time to bet on horse racing, with ante-post markets already forming and bookmakers jockeying to offer competitive odds as excitement steadily builds.
Home-grown hope: can a Welsh trainer win big?
One of the strongest narratives being built is the desire for a Welsh-trained success story.
Local trainer Sam Thomas brings genuine optimism into this year’s Grand National, with two live contenders in Jubilee Express — a horse he openly describes as “special” — and the hugely popular Iwilldoit, already a former winner of the race.
Both horses carry serious local hope, and a victory from either would resonate deeply.
It would be a landmark moment for Welsh racing, which has long had to fight for recognition against the traditionally dominant British and Irish yards.
For many fans and punters already keeping an eye on the latest prices and markets for the big meetings, the possibility of a home-trained winner isn’t just exciting — it feels like the emotional heartbeat of this year’s renewal.
Defending champion in the frame: will Nassalam defend?
The potential return of Nassalam, the reigning Welsh Grand National champion, adds real intrigue to this year’s race.
Winning this marathon once is hard enough — coming back to try and repeat the feat is the kind of challenge only the toughest, most genuine stayers can take on.
His presence on the early entries list means a possible back-to-back triumph — a feat rarely achieved in this tough handicap.
If he comes forward in form, he’s very likely to be among the market favourites, and punters will be watching closely as his price fluctuates in the run-up.
Punters know what he’s capable of, and many will be keen to get ahead of the curve rather than wait for declarations. It’s a storyline that gives this year’s renewal an extra edge.
The legacy of Val Dancer and 2024’s conditions
While Val Dancer wasn’t entered for 2025, his performance in the 2024 renewal casts a long shadow.
Last year’s race was contested under thick fog, which challenged both participants and spectators.
Val Dancer thrived where others faltered, digging deep over the final mile and showing the kind of stamina, accurate jumping, and sheer determination the Welsh Grand National so often demands — traits that many contenders for 2025 will need to emulate.
In ante-post markets, horses with proven form in similar scenarios may be especially well-supported.
Punters remember how vital toughness was last year, and that will shape early betting patterns in 2025.
If the fog and deep winter ground return, the profile of Val Dancer last year — gritty, strong, unflappable — could be the template for finding this year’s winner.
Marathon demands: staying power versus speed
At roughly 3 miles 6½ furlongs, the Welsh Grand National is one of the most demanding tests on the calendar.
Monbeg Genius, trained by the O’Neill family, has already emerged as one of the early market leaders, and it’s easy to see why.
His pedigree screams stamina, and he has repeatedly shown he can maintain a relentless gallop deep into long-distance chases.
Meanwhile, Iwilldoit brings bags of experience to the table and could find himself very well treated by the handicapper.
With a potentially favourable weight and a proven record in gruelling conditions, he looks a compelling each-way option at this stage of the market.
Outside threats: British and Irish challengers
Though home runners draw plenty of attention, this race has always been a target for British and Irish stables.
These yards specialise in producing seasoned stayers, and their depth of talent means the 2025 field is shaping up to be fiercely competitive.
Trainers who regularly campaign horses in long-distance handicap chases will have circled this race months in advance, often using it as a stepping stone to other major staying prizes later in the season.
Their entries can sometimes slip under the radar in early betting, making them a potential source of real ante-post value — especially if a horse has been quietly prepared with this exact test in mind.
Trainer storylines: ambition meets opportunity
Sam Thomas’ double entry with Jubilee Express and Iwilldoit is perhaps the most compelling trainer narrative of the lot.
A Welsh winner would elevate his standing significantly and provide a real boost for the local racing scene.
But other prominent trainers — especially those who prioritise big handicaps and carefully target these marquee staying races — will also be keen to stamp their authority, effectively turning this into a clash of ambition on one of the sport’s most romantic stages.
The crucial role of the handicap
Weight is always a big deal in marathon handicaps, and this is no exception.
Horses carrying lower marks or proven to handle deep stamina tests could hold a significant advantage, especially if they jump cleanly and maintain a steady rhythm throughout.
Conversely, seasoned stayers might struggle if their burden is too heavy, particularly on soft winter ground, making the handicap dynamic one of the key betting storylines to monitor as the race approaches.
Betting markets and value opportunities
For punters, the 2025 Welsh Grand National presents a rich opportunity.
With ante-post markets now open, there’s genuine scope to back potential winners early, especially if you believe in the staying power of certain contenders.
As race day draws closer, prices may shift significantly — and with competing trainers, local sentiment, and strong outsider entries in the mix, real value could emerge in both outright and each-way markets.
Keeping an eye on evolving prices, market momentum, and trends across the big meetings will be key to spotting the best bets.
