Horses

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favourite to win the Grand National, to be held on Saturday, 5th Apr 2025, at 4:00 pm, when Inothewayurthinkin was withdrawn from the race.

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.

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.

Grand National Runners

admin February 19, 2025

Note: Below is the 2025 runners list, stay tuned early next year for the 2026 Grand National Runners list.

Here is the confirmed field for the 2025 Grand National:

1. I Am Maximus
2. Royale Pagaille
3. Nick Rockett
4. Grangeclare West
5. Hewick
6. Minella Indo
7. Appreciate It
8. Minella Cocooner
9. Conflated
10. Stumptown
11. Hitman
12. Beauport
13. Bravemansgame
14. Chantry House
15. Threeunderthrufive
16. Perceval Legallois
17. Kandoo Kid
18. Iroko
19. Intense Raffles
20. Senior Chief
21. Idas Boy
22. Fil Dor
23. Broadway Boy
24. Coko Beach
25. Stay Away Fay
26. Meetingofthewaters
27. Monbeg Genius
28. Vanillier
29. Horantzau D’airy
30. Hyland
31. Celebre D’allen
32. Three Card Brag
33. Twig
34. Duffle Coat

—-

On 18th March the second round of Grand National Runners withdrawals in the declarations process were announced. Fourteen horses were removed (11 withdrawn and 3 non qualifiers). The biggest named horse now out of the 2025 Grand National has to be favourite Inothewayurthinkin.  The next withdrawals will be at the confirmation stage (31st March). Final declarations are on 3rd of April.

A list of those in the running:

1. Apple Away
2. Appreciate It
3. Beauport
4. Bravemansgame
5. Broadway Boy
6. Capodanno
7. Celebre d’Allen
8. Chantry House
9. Chemical Energy
10. Coko Beach
11. Conflated
12. Cruz Control
13. Desertmore House
14. Duffle Coat
15. Famous Bridge
16. Fantastic Lady
17. Favori de Champdou
18. Fil Dor
19. Fontaine Collonges
20. Grangeclare West
21. Hewick
22. Hitman
23. Horantzau d’Airy
24. Hyland
25. I Am Maximus
26. Idas Boy
27. Intense Raffles
28. Iroko
29. Kandoo Kid
30. King Turgeon
31. L’Homme Presse
32. Macdermott
33. Malina Girl
34. Meetingofthewaters
35. Minella Cocooner
36. Minella Drama
37. Minella Indo
38. Mister Coffey
39. Monbeg Genius
40. Mr Incredible
41. Mr Vango
42. Nick Rockett
43. Perceval Legallois
44. Quick Wave
45. Roi Mage
46. Royale Pagaille
47. Senior Chief
48. Shakem Up’Arry
49. Stay Away Fay
50. Stuzzikini
51. Stumptown
52. Surrey Quest
53. Three Card Brag
54. Threeunderthrufive
55. Trelawne
56. Twig
57. Vanillier
58. Velvet Elvis
59. Where It All Began
60. Yeah Man

Horse racing fans across the world look forward to the Aintree Grand National.

Its history dates back to 1839. The first winner called Lottery. This iconic steeplechase, run over two circuits, a distance of 4m 2 1/2f, with 30 hellish fences to jump, sets itself apart by being coined: ‘The ultimate test of horse and jockey.’

Total prize money £1M.

Who wouldn’t want to be part of the action?

Only the best horses win this race including: Red Rum (1973,1974 & 1977). In fact, his owner, Mr Noel Le Mare had 3 ambitions in life.

To become a millionaire.

Marry a beautiful woman.

And…win the Aintree Grand National.

Upon completion, he said he could die a happy man.

The Aintree Grand National has a long history of ups and downs. Highs and lows.

It used to be called The Grand Liverpool Steeplechase.

In the wars years it was named the Racecourse Association Steeplechase (1916 – 1918). It was held at Gatwick Racecourse, now the site of London Gatwick Airport.

In 1973, Aintree Racecourse, was purchased by property developer Bill Davies. Who would have thought Ladbrokes bookmakers would be part of securing the future of this racecourse. In 1983 it was purchased by The Jockey Club.

Over the years, the course and racing rules have been modified often due to animal welfare issues.

In the early years, the race was characterised by small fields. Horses ran off level weight. However, with limited opposition there was a vast difference between the ability of horses so a handicap system was employed. Many considered this was implemented to stop the better horses winning – rather than give others a chance.

Considering so many people love the Grand National, it is surprising that most don’t understand its finer details. They appreciate it’s a tough race over miles with lots of jumps but beyond that point most are simply interested in placing a bet.

But here’s an interesting question when looking at the Grand National Entries 2025 …

‘Who decides which horses run in the Aintree Grand National?’

For instance, could any horse take its chance irrespective of age or ability?

With a million pounds in prize money, I’d be pointing my little pony in the direction of The Chair!

It’s probably just as well there are rules.

How does a horse become a Grand National Runner?

Rules:

• Horses must be aged seven years and older.

• They must be officially rated 125 or more by the British Horse-racing Authority (BHA).

• Have proven stamina and ability. The main requirement being placed in a recognised chase running at 2m 7 1/2f or more.

How Many?

In 1929, a record was set with 66 runners.

Large fields saw many horse fatalities and jockeys suffer serious injury. It’s hardly surprising when some of the fences were actually walls made of stone.

You may recall Aintree Grand National used to allow 40 horses to compete.

In 2024, that number was lowered to 34.

The Grand National has been modified with regard to animal welfare issues. Fences have been made easier. And more recently the run to the first fence has been shortened as there were fears horses were running too fast to make the jump safely.

And rightly so.

It may be a surprise to learn that up to 90 horses have hopes of running in this year’s Grand National. However, the selection process is set high with the hope that both horses and jockeys will come home safe and sound.

The Grand National is part of the three-day Festival which takes place annually from 6^th – 14^th April.

Connections (owners) have to pay an entry fee which goes towards the total prize money. Race fees vary dependent on when a horse is withdrawn. Those making the big race on the day pay the most.

This process takes time.

For Example, let’s take a look at the following race:

2025 Grand National Runners / Entries / Declarations Process

A chronology of the process:

February 11^th – Weights published for all runners (90)

February 25^th – First round of horses withdrawn

March 18^th – Second round of withdrawals

March 31^st – Five-day declarations (34)

April 3^rd – 48 hour declarations and final field confirmed

The Day of the Race:

*5^th April 4pm Aintree Grand National, Liverpool.

*Dates vary dependent on date of race.

So let’s recap the major requirement of the race:

Max field: 34

The highest 34 horses dependent on their official handicap mark.

They must be seven years or older.

Have an official rating of 125 or more.

Two withdrawal stages.

Final declaration will be made 48 hours before the race time.

Horses may be withdrawn at any time thereafter due to ill health or transport problems.

A vet will examine each horse before race start to deem it is fit and healthy to run.

In addition, jockeys will be assessed with similar protocols by a doctor.

Part of the winning is getting to the start line; which isn’t a given.

The Grand National is very popular and competitive race with substantial prize money.

Only the best horses will be eligible. This is dependent on race rules, ability and fitness of the horse.

The endeavour is a good, fair race where both horse and jockey come home safe and sound.

Grand National Entries 2025

admin February 19, 2025

Update:

Here is the confirmed field for the 2025 Aintree Grand National:

1. I Am Maximus
2. Royale Pagaille
3. Nick Rockett
4. Grangeclare West
5. Hewick
6. Minella Indo
7. Appreciate It
8. Minella Cocooner
9. Conflated
10. Stumptown
11. Hitman
12. Beauport
13. Bravemansgame
14. Chantry House
15. Threeunderthrufive
16. Perceval Legallois
17. Kandoo Kid
18. Iroko
19. Intense Raffles
20. Senior Chief
21. Idas Boy
22. Fil Dor
23. Broadway Boy
24. Coko Beach
25. Stay Away Fay
26. Meetingofthewaters
27. Monbeg Genius
28. Vanillier
29. Horantzau D’airy
30. Hyland
31. Celebre D’allen
32. Three Card Brag
33. Twig
34. Duffle Coat

Below is a list of Grand National entries for 2025, alongside the weight, age, owner and trainer or all 87 entries. This list will be whittled down over time with the number of horses allowed to run in the Grand National now at 34. 48 hours before the race we’ll know exactly which runners are taking part in theis unmissable Aintree race.

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