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Bryony Frost to Partner Stay Away Fay in 2025 Grand National for Paul Nicholls
The 2025 Grand National is shaping up to be another thrilling spectacle, and one of the most intriguing storylines leading into the race is the partnership between Bryony Frost and Stay Away Fay, trained by Paul Nicholls. The 2023 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner will be Frost’s mount as she looks to make history in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Frost, who has been a retained rider in France for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, is making a much-anticipated return to the big stage in Britain. Her connection with Nicholls has been well established over the years, and this ride offers her a fantastic opportunity to claim her first Grand National victory.
Stay Away Fay’s Journey from Cheltenham Glory to Aintree Challenge
Stay Away Fay shot to prominence when winning the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023, a performance that cemented his status as a talented staying hurdler. However, since switching to fences, his form has been inconsistent. While he showed promise initially, his performances have not quite reached the same level of brilliance as his early hurdle career.
That said, there is a silver lining to his recent decline in form. A drop-off in performances has meant that Stay Away Fay is potentially well-handicapped for the Grand National. The eight-year-old has been assigned a rating of 150 and will carry just 10st 9lbs, which could prove to be a highly competitive mark given the demands of the Aintree marathon.
Despite his lack of recent wins, the bookies still see him as an interesting outsider, pricing him at 66/1 for the race. While he may not be among the leading fancies, the Grand National is a race renowned for upsets, and a well-handicapped horse with stamina in abundance is always worth consideration.
Bryony Frost: A Jockey Made for the Big Stage
Bryony Frost is no stranger to making history in big races. She became the first female jockey to win a Grade 1 race over fences at the Cheltenham Festival when she partnered Frodon to victory in the 2019 Ryanair Chase. Her affinity with staying chasers and her tactical nous make her a fascinating booking for Stay Away Fay.
Although she has spent much of her recent career in France as a retained rider for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, she remains a popular figure in British racing. Her return for the Grand National, a race that has so far eluded her, is sure to generate significant interest.
Frost’s strong partnership with Paul Nicholls, for whom she has ridden many top-class horses, adds another layer of confidence for those considering Stay Away Fay as a potential dark horse for the race.
Paul Nicholls’ Grand National Hopes
Paul Nicholls, one of Britain’s most successful trainers, will be saddling multiple runners in the 2025 Grand National. He last won the race in 2012 with Neptune Collonges, who snatched victory in a dramatic finish.
This year, Nicholls is set to send out a five-strong team, with Stay Away Fay being one of the more intriguing runners. His other entries will likely include more fancied contenders, but the yard’s confidence in running Stay Away Fay suggests they believe he still has something to offer despite his recent struggles over fences.
The Grand National Test
The Grand National is a unique and gruelling test, with its 4 miles and 2½ furlongs demanding extreme stamina, jumping ability, and a touch of luck. Stay Away Fay will need to prove that he can handle the famous Aintree fences and last the trip, but his weight assignment and past staying performances offer some optimism.
Given Frost’s skill and tactical awareness, there is hope that she can guide him safely around the challenging course and perhaps even spring a surprise. While a victory may be a long shot, an improved run and a strong finish could see him outrun his 66/1 odds.
Conclusion
Bryony Frost’s booking for Stay Away Fay in the 2025 Grand National is one of the more intriguing jockey-horse partnerships heading into the race. With Paul Nicholls’ experience, Frost’s skill, and Stay Away Fay’s attractive handicap mark, there are plenty of reasons to watch this pairing closely.
While the bookmakers currently have him priced as an outsider at 66/1, the Grand National has a history of surprise results. Should Stay Away Fay find his best form on the day, Frost could be poised to add another historic moment to her illustrious career.
