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Grand National 2025: Intense Raffles

admin March 13, 2025

Formerly trained in France by Patrice Quinton, Intense Raffles joined Thomas Gibney in Trim, Co. Meath in November 2023 and enjoyed an unblemished novice campaign in 2023/24, winning three times at Fairyhouse. His biggest win, so far, came in the Irish Grand National, run over three miles and five furlongs, on heavy going, at the Ratoath course on April 1, 2024. An 11lb weight rise inevitably followed, at least over fences, but for his first two starts of 2024/25 the son of top-class National Hunt sire Martaline has been campaigned over hurdles, for which his handicap mark remains 10lb lower.

After two modest efforts over the smaller obstacles at Navan in December and January, Intense Raffles made his first appearance of the season over obstacles in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase, over three and a quarter miles, back at Fairyhouse in late February. On that occasion, he made the running, but could never quite shake off the attentions of favourite Nick Rockett, who was in receipt of 3lb, and was eventually beaten threequarters of a length, with the pair 6 lengths clear of the third horse home.

Intense Raffles could potentitally face Nick Rockett again in the Grand National, in which the latter is set to concede 12lb, so it is not difficult to see why he is just second favourite, at 10/1, ante-post to become the first winner of the celebrated steeplechase in the two-tone green colours of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. All of his best form, so far, has come with plenty of cut in the ground so, while four miles and two and half furlongs seems likely to be within his compass, it remains to be see if he is quite so effective if the going at Aintree is slightly faster.

On 18th March, Intense Raffles became favourite to win the Grand National, to be held on Saturday, 5th Apr 2025, at 4:00 pm, when Inothewayurthinkin was withdrawn from the race.

Horses

Grand National 2025: Inothewayurthinkin

admin March 13, 2025

UPDATE: On 18th March, National favourite was Inothewayurthinkin pulled out of the race. Off the back of a stunning Cheltenham Gold Cup win, trainer Gavin Cromwell and owner JP McManus decided that it could prove to be a race too far for the seven year old. ” It’s all about doing the right thing for the horse.” said Cromwell. The new favourite for the 2025 Grand National is Intense Raffles at 7-1 at time of writing.

At the time of writing, the 2025 Grand National is less than a month away and, while further declaration stages are due in March before the final field is revealed on April 3, the ante-post market has taken shape since the weights were published on February 11. Currently, favourite for the £500,000 first prize money is Inothewayurthinkin (3/1), owned by John P. McManus and trained by Gavin Cromwell in Navan, Co. Meath. Inothewayurthinkin was 8/1 prior to a storming Cheltenham Gold Cup win on Friday 14th February, beating favourite Galopin Des Champs into second, as he attempted to gain his third Gold Cup victory in a row.

A seven-year-old gelding by Derby runner-up Walk In The Park, Inothewayurthinkin readily justified favouritism in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and followed up with another comfortable victory in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree a month later. In that latter Grade 1 contest, he beat Iroko, who is potentially just 1lb better off in the National, by 4 lengths, so must have every chance of confirming that form.

In 2024/25 so far, Inothewayurthinkin has once again been highly tried, competing without success in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, the Savills Chase at Leopardstown and Irish Gold Cup, over the same course and distance. Nevertheless, his closing fourth, beaten 7¼ lengths by the winner, Galopin Des Champs, suggests that his handicap mark of 160 is more than fair, for all that he is 15lb higher in the weights than the last time he ran in a handicap.

Inothewayurthinkin has yet to win beyond three and a quarter miles, so his stamina for the extra mile or so of the Grand National distance has to be taken on trust. Likewise, he has yet to win on going faster than soft, but the whole of the National Course is routinely watered to maintain the going on the soft side of good, so he should not be unduly incovenienced by underfoot conditions.

Years

Grand National 2025 Preview – Contenders

admin March 10, 2025

The 2025 Grand National is scheduled for 16:00 on April 5, but entries for the world-famous steeplechase closed on January 28 and the weights were published on February 11, allowing the ante-post market to take shape. At the time of writing, after the first scratching deadline on February 25, 81 horses stood their ground in the National which, nowadays, has a safety limit of 34. A further scratching deadline follows on February 25, with five-day declarations on March 31 and 48-hour declarations on April 3, before the final field is revealed. At that stage, all bar the top 34 in the weights will be ballotted out, leaving the remainder to compete for £1 million in prize money, half of which goes to winning connections.

At the time of writing, the weights are headed by the 2024 winner, I Am Maximus (14/1), trained by Willie Mullins, who has since been plying his trade, without much distinction in Grade 1 company. The Authorized gelding was pulled up, when tailed off, behind stable companion Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas on his seasonal debut, but fared a little better when a keeping on eighth, beaten 17 lengths, behind the same horse in the Irish Gold Cup, over the same course and distance, in early February. That latter piece of form leaves him nearly 10 lengths to find with ante-post favourite Inothewayurthinkin (8/1), who is also owned J.P. McManus, with whom he is 7lb worse off at Aintree. I Am Maximus is 8lb higher in the weights this year than last, but back at Aintree could well leave his previous form this season well behind.

Of course, with a focus on Grand National Runners , I Am Maximus potentially faces a whole raft of formidable rivals, some of who are also trained by Willie Mullins and/or owned by J.P. McManus. Nick Rockett (14/1), for example, is a stable companion at Muine Bheag, Co. Carlow and boasts solid credentials, not least because he has won the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse since the National weights were published. On that occasion, he edged out Intense Raffles (10/1), who could re-oppose on 15lb better terms, for just three-quarters of a length, at Aintree and appears remarkably well handicapped on that evidence. Nevertheless, Nick Rockett remains a progressive, stoutly-bred eight-year-old, who ran creditably on his only previous visit to Britain, in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown last spring, and is definitely one to consider.

Strictly speaking, Nick Rockett also has his work cut out to reverse earlier form with Perceval Legallois (20/1), who beat him by just over nine lengths in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and is 11lb better off in the National. Owned by McManus and trained by Gavin Cromwell in Navan, Co. Meath, Perceval Legallois is a stable companion of Inothewayurthinkin, but is clearly no slouch, having taking advantage of a lower hurdles mark to win a valuable race in that sphere at Leopardstown on his most recent outing in early February. He has yet to win beyond an extended three miles, but acts on any going and still looks reasonably handicapped on what he has achieved so far.

Gavin Cromwell could also saddle Stumptown (20/1), who is an intresting contender insofar as he is, at the time of writing, 3-4 in cross country chases and ante-post favourite for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He is lumbered with top weight of 11st 10lb at Prestbury Park but, as the weights stand, set to carry 8lb less at Aintree. He could seek to emulate Tiger Roll, who won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (albeit when it was still a conditions race, rather than a handicap) en route to Grand National glory in both 2018 and 2019.

Iroko (14/1), trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero in Oldcastle Heath, Cheshire, but yet another owned by that man McManus, is currently the shortest-priced of the home contigent. The winner of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, he has not won since November that year and is currently just 1-7 over fences, for all that he has been highly tried more than once in his steeplechasing career. Indeed, he is well handicapped with Inothewayurthinkin on their running in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree last April. A first fence fall, albeit after being hampered by a rival, in a graduation chase at Ascot tempers enthusiasm for his chances of completing the National Course without mishap, but his subsequent, tenderly-handled fourth at Newbury (which was subject to a stewards’ enquiry) suggests there is some mileage in his current handicap mark if he does.

Now 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls knows what it takes to win the Grand National, having done so, narrowly, with Neptune Collonges in 2012. The Master of Manor Farm has a handful of entries in 2025, the pick of which, according to the bookmakers, could be Kandoo Kid (25/1). The nine-year-old son of useful jumps sire Kapgarde already has experience of the National fences, having finished a close third in the Topham Chase last April. He also won the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury – the form of which has been franked, more than once – on his seasonal reappearance in November. Making excuses for beaten horses can be an expensive business, but the combination of a 7lb rise in the weights, a 91-break and the drop back to two and a half miles may have contributed to his subsequent defeat in the Greatwood Gold Cup. Kandoo Kid remains of interest, despite obvious stamina doubts.

Years

Grand National Winners 1910 – 1919

admin March 1, 2025

If there was one defining aspect of this decade, it was World War I. Life changed for many, and the four years, three months, and fourteen days of conflict couldn’t end soon enough. Tragically, an estimated 16 to 20 million people and animals lost their lives.

Many ex-racehorses were among the casualties, particularly in the cavalry. For example, offspring of Cloister, the 1893 Grand National winner, were used in military service.

The Suffragette movement also played a significant role during this time, led by Emmeline Pankhurst and her Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), which gained momentum in 1912. Many will be familiar with the tragic footage of Emily Wilding Davison (1872–1913), who died after being struck by King George V’s horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby. While the Suffragettes disrupted several races at Aintree, none were as dramatic as Davison’s protest.

It wasn’t until 1918 that some women were granted the right to vote.

This was a time of great social unrest, and the country breathed a sigh of relief when the Treaty of Versailles (1919) officially marked the end of the war.

For the most part, the Aintree Grand National helped maintain national morale and resilience.

However, from 1916 to 1918, the world’s most famous steeplechase was canceled at Aintree as the nation prioritized fighting for King and country. Instead, the Grand National was held for three years at Gatwick Racecourse, now the site of London Gatwick Airport. The race was run over the same distance but with one fewer jump (29) and was officially called *The Racecourse Association Steeplechase. The course closed in 1940 with the onset of World War II.

Grand National Winners (1910–1919):

1910 – Jenkinstown (Tom Coulthwaite)
1911 – Glenside (R. H. Collins)
1912 – Jerry M (Robert Gore)
1913 – Covertcoat (Robert Gore)
1914 – Sunloch (Tom Tyler)
1915 – Ally Sloper (Aubrey Hastings)
1916 – Vermouth (J. Bell) *
1917 – Ballymacad (Aubrey Hastings) *
1918 – Poethlyn (Harry Escott) *
1919 – Poethlyn (Harry Escott)

(* Races held at Gatwick Racecourse.)

Notable Moments from the Decade:

1910 – Jenkinstown (100/8)

Tom Coulthwaite’s winner, owned by Stanley Howard, was one of the earliest Grand Nationals captured on moving film, thanks to British Pathé, founded in Paris by Charles Pathé in 1896.

1911 – Glenside (20/1)

A remarkable winner, Glenside was a horse with respiratory problems (broken-winded) and only one eye. Torrential rain meant that only four of the twenty-six runners finished, with Glenside winning by twenty lengths.

1912–1913 – Jerry M (4/1) & Covertcoat (100/9)

These two years were dominated by Robert Gore & Sir Charles Assheton-Smith.

In 1912, Ernie Piggott (grandfather of Lester Piggott) rode Jerry M, carrying 12st 7lb, to victory. The horse had finished runner-up to Jenkinstown (1910) but this time secured a six-length win as the 4/1 favorite.
In 1913, Percy Woodland guided Covertcoat to victory, winning by a distance, with only three finishers in the race.

Interesting Aside:

Sir Charles Assheton-Smith, who won the 1912 and 1913 Grand Nationals, had also owned the 1893 Aintree Grand National winner—but under the name Charles Duff.

1914 – Sunloch (100/6)

The 76th Grand National was won by Sunloch, owned and trained by Tom Tyler, at odds of 100/6.

1915 – Ally Sloper (100/8)

A historic moment as Lady Margaret Nelson became the first female owner to win the race.

1916–1918: The Racecourse Association Steeplechase (Known as the War Steeplechase)

During World War I, Aintree was closed, as it was taken over by the War Office (1914–1918). The Grand National was instead held at Gatwick Racecourse, which later closed in 1940, becoming London Gatwick Airport.

Winners of the War Steeplechase:

1916 – Vermouth (J. Bell) 100/8
1917 – Ballymacad (Aubrey Hastings) 100/9
1918 – Poethlyn (Harry Escott) 5/1

1918–1919: Poethlyn Does the Double

To conclude the decade, the nine-year-old gelding Poethlyn secured back-to-back victories at Gatwick (1918) and Aintree (1919).

Ridden by: Ernie Piggott
Trained by: Harry Escott
Owned by: Gwlady Peel

Poethlyn was a highly fancied contender, winning at odds of 5/1 and 11/4, respectively. In his 1919 Aintree win, Poethlyn carried an additional 1st 1lb compared to the previous year, yet still emerged victorious.

He remains the shortest-priced winner in Grand National history.

Horses

J.P.McManus’ Top 5 Grand National Runners 2025

admin February 20, 2025

The excitement is building.

Ante-post betting slip is burning a hole in my pocket.

Who doesn’t love the greatest steeplechase in the world? Four miles two and a half furlongs on this modified Grand National course. The ultimate test of horse and jockey. Thank the Lord we have come a long way from the days of horses jumping stone walls.

As seen last year, the new modifications should make the National safer for horse and jockey. The run to the first fence has been shortened blunt the speed at the first fence. And the reduction of horse numbers to 34 is a positive.

On the 11th February 2025, we saw the weights published for 90 Grand National Entrants.

The first withdrawal stage happens on the 25th February, were numbers will be substantially reduced and the betting market will bring more clarity. Much has to do with the intentions of connections and how individual horses are progressing with regard to their health and fitness. Any setbacks in training will see horses withdrawn.

Ante-post bettors will be looking for value.

From past experience, we have seen how horses can win and place at incredibly big odds. Who could forget Mon Mome (2009) winning for Venetia Williams at 100/1. A superb day for jockey Liam Tredwell and owner Vida Bingham.

The absence of one fancied horses in the betting can transform the market.

Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Grand National Runners 2025 for legendary gambler J.P.McManus.

As with most races, this with focus on horses at the top of the betting. However, we will add some insight regarding each runner and throw in a few stats.

It’s interesting to see J. P. McManus has a strong hand. After I Am Maximus success he detailed ambitions of winning consecutive races or more.

Let’s take a quick look at his successes in the Aintree Grand National:

2024 – I Am Maximus

2021 – Minella Times

2010 – Don’t Push It

These victories came via three different trainers: Willie Mullins (2024), Henry de Bromhead (2021) & Jonjo O’Neill (2010). It’s worth noting that all winners were well found in the market priced 7/1, 11/1 & 10/1 respectively.

It’s hardly a surprise from the Richest MAN From Limerick!

Self-made billionaire and professional gambler. The man who took £1M from Fearless Bookmaker Freddie Williams at the Cheltenham Festival in 2006. Sadly departed. It’s interesting to see McManus has I Am Maximus making a return to Aintree for second helpings. Considering Mullins said: ‘It would be a ‘tough’ task under top weight’ you get a feeling this return could be akin to eating a prickly pear.

Top 5 Grand National Runners :

1) I Am Maximus – Willie Mullins:

This nine-year-old son of Authorized ran out a very tidy winner in last year’s race. It was a perfect ride from Paul Townend. The issue could be carrying top weight of 11-12. I keep reading he’s carrying 8lb higher but from my maths it’s 6lb. With two runs under his belt this season, he hasn’t looked great pulling up and a long-beaten eighth at Leopardstown in the Irish Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1). He finished almost exactly the same distance behind Galopin de Champs the year before. There is a lot to like about I Am Maximus but there must be concerns about the weight. In fact, no horse has won with more weight since Red Rum (1974) when he carried 12-00 for Ginger McCain, Brian Fletcher and flamboyant owner Noel Le Mare. That day it was a fast time for such a considerable weight but good ground. If the going is testing it may be an issue for I Am Maximus. Presently, priced at odds of 12/1.

2) Inothewayurthinkin – Gavin Cromwell:

This bay gelding, a son of Walk In The Park, is lightly raced for Navan trainer Gavin Cromwell. Another horse for J.P.McManus who was seen finishing a gallant fourth place in the Irish Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (1st February). That was a fair effort when running on in the latter staged with I Am Maximus some ten lengths further behind. Looking on the betting exchanges, Inothewayurthinkin has been well backed (ante-post) from 30/1. A few thousand was bet at those odds. You have to think the money would be on the best of McManus horses so I’d take that as a pointer. He has valuable experience at the course when winning ‘comfortably’ in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) on soft ground over 3m 1f. That day he beat another protagonist in the shape of Iroko who looks to be heading to the National. Presently, priced at odds of 8/1.

3) Iroko – Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero:

Another of the J.P. McManus juggernauts. This seven-year-old French-bred gelding is lightly raced with four wins to his name. Iroko hasn’t raced beyond 3m 1f. The sire was very lightly raced with just four starts (raced from 2m 2f – 2m 3 1/3f) similar to the light-raced mare who had one win under her belt. Iroko finished behind Inothewayurthinkin in the Mildmay. His last three runs saw him hampered and fall when favourite at Ascot. It was interesting to read about his Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (25th January). A stewards’ Inquiry held into his running and riding where Jonjo O’Neill Jr said: ‘His instructions were to sit midfield and to try and get gelding jumping, having felt he lost his confidence after falling in his previous run at Ascot, adding that he had formed this opinion having schooled gelding at home…’ It doesn’t sound the best preparation for the Aintree Grand National. However, there has been good money for this gelding on the exchanged backed from 50/1. Also, he could be well in the weights at 10-11. Presently, priced at 14/1.

The two other fancied McManus horses are:

4) Meetingofthewaters – Willie Mullins:

He was fancied to go well when 11/1 behind I Am Maximus in the 2024 Aintree Grand National when finishing 7th beaten just under 16-lengths. He is weighted at 10-7. Presently, priced at odds of 25/1.

5) Percevall Legallois – Gavin Cromwell:

This eight-year-old gelding in the ownership of J.P.McManus is well raced and shown fair form winning two Listed races.

I’d suspect the shortest of these J.P.McManus horses is the one to be on.