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Calm Before the Glory: Tom Gibney Unfazed as Intense Raffles Heads Grand National Market
County Meath trainer relishes Aintree challenge with Irish Grand National hero now 5-1 favourite for world’s greatest steeplechase
As the countdown continues to the 2025 Randox Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, 5 April, one man remains impressively composed despite the growing spotlight. Tom Gibney, trainer of current market leader Intense Raffles, insists he won’t be losing sleep over the pressure of heading to Liverpool with the 5-1 favourite for the £1 million showpiece.
While expectations mount and betting markets continue to shorten around his seven-year-old stable star, Gibney remains refreshingly grounded. For the County Meath-based trainer, preparing a leading contender for the world’s most iconic steeplechase is more exciting than stressful — and after a year of planning, he’s eager for the big day to arrive.
“It’s a Nice Feeling Having the Favourite”
Speaking from his Capranny yard, where he oversees a team of around 30 horses, Gibney was quick to dismiss any notion that he’s burdened by his horse’s newfound status.
“It’s actually a nice feeling having the favourite,” he said. “Hopefully he’ll run like a favourite too. I’d much prefer to be in this position than having a 50-1 shot — I’m enjoying the experience.”
Although Intense Raffles is Gibney’s only entry at the Grand National Festival, the small yard has been solely focused on one goal for nearly 12 months: Aintree.
A Carefully-Plotted Route to Aintree Glory
Since his emphatic win in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National last April, Gibney and his team have mapped out every step of Intense Raffles’ campaign to culminate in a bold tilt at Aintree.
The gelding’s preparation was given a major boost last time out when he finished a close second to Nick Rockett in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, a recognised Grand National trial. Crucially, he gave 3lb to Nick Rockett that day and was beaten by less than a length — a performance that earned him a career-best Racing Post Rating.
Now, in the Grand National, Intense Raffles will receive 12lb from Nick Rockett on revised terms, making him exceptionally well treated at the weights. He’s due to carry 10st 10lb, and using his Irish rating of 156, he’s theoretically 5lb “well in” on official figures.
With JJ Slevin booked to ride once more, Gibney is confident that everything is falling into place at just the right time.
Proven Stamina, Ground Versatility, and a Rapid Rise
Since his arrival from Patrice Quinton’s stable in France, Intense Raffles has shown steady progression, with all his wins coming at Fairyhouse, including three victories and that career-defining second.
Though still relatively untested over the unique fences of Aintree, the gelding has already proven his stamina over marathon trips and his ability to handle a range of going conditions — both essential ingredients for Grand National success.
More than just an in-form chaser, Intense Raffles looks the template of the modern Grand National winner: a Grade 3 or Listed-class horse with staying power, good jumping technique, and a touch of class.
Gibney Chasing a Second Slice of National History
If Intense Raffles were to strike at Aintree, it would mark Tom Gibney’s second Grand National success, 13 years after Lion Na Bearnai won the Irish Grand National at 33-1 in 2012.
Victory this time would not only be Gibney’s biggest career win, it would also cement his place in racing folklore as the trainer who took on and beat the giants of Irish and British jump racing with just a single contender.
He’s also seeking to become the first trainer to land both the Irish and English Grand Nationals with the same horse since Numbersixvalverde in 2005–06.
A Favoured Underdog
In a race historically synonymous with underdogs and fairy tales, the idea of a small yard from County Meath producing a Grand National favourite is heartening for many.
And Gibney’s relaxed approach, combined with the talent of Intense Raffles and the loyal support of JJ Slevin, makes them one of the most compelling stories in the build-up to the 2025 Randox Grand National.
He may be the bookies’ choice, but in the eyes of many racing fans, Intense Raffles — and the quiet confidence of his trainer — might just be the horse and story to cheer home in racing’s biggest race.
