Aspire Merlin Rocket National Championship at Looe Sailing Club - Runners & Riders
by Matt Shorrock 4 Aug 11:23 BST
10-15 August 2025
Aspire Merlin Rocket Nationals at Looe day 5 © Neil Richardson
There came a sportsman from the fleet,
To a western town where wind does blow,
And brought with him a speedy beast --
A speedy beast as horses go.
He came afar in hope to "do"
To The little western town of Looe.
As we eagerly await the chance to be wowed by a field of quality, unrivalled by that of any other, us mortal spectators can merely speculate as to which vessel and esteemed riders will take the prestigious crown and name themselves Merlin Rocket National Champions 2025. As trainers, Jockeys and boat bimblers alike make last minute preparations for the event let us guide you through the runners and riders for the 2025 Merlin Rocket Grand National.
With Soft to Heavy conditions expected and Cornish waters likely to kick up some big fences for the fleet to hurdle we have crunched the data and applied all the high tech performance analysis at our disposal to bring to you the odds as follows...
Our runners and riders are:
Red Mistress 3759, Ridden by Tom Gillard and Rachael Gray - Form 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1... 2/1 Favourites
Need we say much about this team. Consistently winning at multiple events across all variety of conditions and classes this team is truly elite. Coming off the back of a spectacular win at Salcombe Week and between them winning in almost every fleet they turn their hoofs to, this team will be the ones to beat. Nonetheless with the great status comes a great big target, the rest of the fleet will be ready and raring to try get one over on this lightning quick mare.
Rockatross 3804, Ridden by Ben Saxton and Matt Rainback - A likely Podium. 7/2
With Pro sailor and Olympian Ben taking the reins of this wild beast very ably crewed by legend in his own right Matt these two look one of the most likely to bring the fight to the Red Mistress. When this horse is in form there is no stopping her but will her wild nature be her undoing? These riders will be in the hunt for the podium but the question remains can they go all they way and take the win...
Bonnie 3824, Ridden by Andy Davis (Taxi) and Ollie Meadowcroft - Enthusiasm at the front. 4/1
The only pair in recent times to get one over our favourites at the Inland Championship this team are for sure one to watch. If they can get Bonnie riding as fast as her namesake these guys will take some beating. Both ooze Merlin rocket enthusiasm and when they play to their strengths will leave the chasing pack for dust.... A very good bet for a podium spot and potentially even the win.
Back in Business 3829, Ridden by Mike and Jane Calvert - Experienced hands on a young stallion. 8/1
Well known Merlin Rocket legends Mike and Jane need no introduction. Riding their new flavoured stallion Back in Business, if they didn't mean business before then the fleet better watch out now. Wickedly fast in their favoured conditions can this team go one better than last year and step foot on to our podium?
Black Swan 3803, Ridden by Chris Gould and Sophie Mackley - Crafty Creative and Consistent. 9/1
Overlook the Black Swan at your peril, consistent speed and crafty tactics able to carve through the pack with ease. Putting together a stellar series at Salcombe week and finishing second they will be looking to go one better at Looe and take the win.
Skadi 3820, Ridden by Caroline Gould and Olivia Bell - Back in form and back to the front. 16/1
Top jockey Caroline has spent the season in recovery mode after a serious knee injury, this team in the past have shown Skadi has serious speed in the locker. With the team coming back into form after some time off they could be ready to peak and ride Skadi to victory in Looe. Favourites for the ladies prize and some good odds for an impressive duo.
Baloo 3807, Ridden by Tim Saxton and Holly McArthur - More than just the bare necessities. 16/1
Our second entry from the Saxton clan, Tim and Holly riding Baloo are a serious team to watch out for. Tim demonstrated some serious starting prowess at the Shoreham silver tiller while taking the win paired with Holly's sharp tactical nous at the front Baloo is a serious threat. A good each way bet, this team definitely has race wins in the locker and will be hoping for a top finish overall.
3827, Ridden by Dave Winder and Beka Jones - Back with a bang. 17/1
A new young buck ridden by the breeder himself, if there is someone that knows a thing or two about Merlin Rockets it is Dave. Recently back on the reigns with super crew Beka in the front these two are forming a dangerous team. A good result at Salcombe followed by a race win at Shoreham who knows what could be possible for this new team at Looe.
Good Outsiders:
- 3814 Sonic, James Goss and Chris White 17/1
- 3809 Ecstacy, Simon and Ally Pots 18/1
- 3775 Night Fury, Chris Jennings and Pete Nicholson 25/1
- 3812 Maumahara, Tom Stweart and Rob Allen 22/1
- 3746 Point N Squirt, James Wells and Anna Aylward 28/1
Silver Fleet Stars - Potential Giant Killers:
- 3747 Learner Driver, Clive Eplett and Megan Pascoe 30/1
- 3825 Teacup, Storm Nuttall and Sally Wakefield 33/1
- 3662 Attack of the Clones, Nigel Hudson and Freya Hudson 40/1
Bronze Fleet Stand Outs the up and comers:
- 3736 Metachrosis, Jonathan Bloice and Harry Bloice 66/1
- 3774 Panther, Richard Coulter and Louis Lappage 80/1
- 3663 Bronte Nicholas Yannakyorogos and Matteo Mancini 100/1
Good luck to all those running in the Merlin Rocket Grand National 2025. For the up to date odds and the rest of the form guide you can visit Merlinrocketsmadeupbookies.com and please gamble responsibly.
Racing starts on Sunday 10th August and rung through to Friday 15th August. Updates will be across YachtsandYachting.com and the Merlin Rocket social media channels. A huge thank you al all the sponsors of this years Aspire National Championships.
- Aspire Financial Advisers
- ClamCleats
- Copperfish Distillery
- Creation Covers
- GK Engineering & Design Ltd.
- P&B
- Sailing Chandlery
- Winder Boats