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Elliott’s Four-Pronged Attack Headlines Strong Irish Challenge for 2025 Grand National
As Aintree awaits, Ireland’s top trainers eye another famous raid on Britain’s biggest race
The countdown to the 2025 Randox Grand National is well and truly on, and once again it’s the Irish contingent that looks set to dominate the world’s most iconic steeplechase. Leading the charge is Gordon Elliott, the County Meath maestro who is chasing a record-equalling fourth Grand National victory, nearly two decades on from his first triumph with Silver Birch in 2007.
Elliott’s team this year may be smaller than in previous renewals, but what it lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in quality, with four talented horses ready to take their place at Aintree on Saturday, 5 April.
Gordon Elliott’s Quartet: Quality Over Quantity
In recent years, Elliott has fielded as many as 10 runners in the Grand National, but in 2025 he will be represented by a more streamlined four-horse squad:
- Conflated
- Fil Dor
- Coko Beach
- Three Card Brag (subject to making the final cut)
Of the quartet, Three Card Brag is currently the shortest-priced in the ante-post betting. The eight-year-old, who impressed when winning a Beginners’ Chase at Navan, followed that with a solid third in a Grade Two Novice Chase at the same venue last month. Priced at 25/1, he remains just outside the guaranteed places and requires four withdrawals to ensure his inclusion in the final 34-runner line-up.
Elliott, already a three-time winner with Silver Birch (2007) and the legendary Tiger Roll (2018, 2019), is no stranger to Aintree glory and will be hoping to match Red Rum’s trainer, Ginger McCain, who holds the record of four wins.
Hewick and Sheehan Reunite for Aintree Bid
Another notable Irish-trained contender is Hewick, who has been the subject of significant market support in recent days and is now as short as 16/1 with leading bookmakers.
The 10-year-old chaser, trained by the ever-popular John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, will be ridden by Gavin Sheehan, with the jockey back in the saddle following a successful partnership in the 2023 King George VI Chase at Kempton. Sheehan replaces the trainer’s son, Paddy Hanlon, who guided Hewick to victory over hurdles at Thurles last weekend.
The decision came after discussions with owner T.J. McDonald, who will be hoping that the experienced Sheehan can guide Hewick through the demanding Aintree fences and towards a potential place in the history books.
Intense Raffles Leads the Market
Topping the ante-post betting is Intense Raffles, trained by Tom Gibney, who is also based in County Meath. The 2024 Irish Grand National winner is currently best-priced at 15/2 and heads a group of eight Irish-trained horses that feature among the first 10 in the betting—a stark illustration of the strength of the Irish challenge once again.
Intense Raffles will be aiming to become the first horse since Numbersixvalverde (2005/2006) to complete the Irish-English Grand National double and is widely seen as one of the most progressive stayers in the race.
British Hope Rests with Iroko
While the Irish look strong, the leading British-trained contender is Iroko, from the Cheshire-based yard of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. The seven-year-old gelding is currently second favourite at 8/1 and carries the famous green and gold silks of J.P. McManus—the same colours sported by defending champion I Am Maximus.
Iroko has not won since November 2023, but has run consistently in high-class company. He was runner-up to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin in last year’s Grade One Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree, and more recently finished second to Grey Dawning in the Premier Chase at Kelso.
He will once again be partnered by Jonjo O’Neill Jr, who has been in the saddle for all of Iroko’s chase starts.
O’Neill Jr., who enjoyed a fruitful Cheltenham Festival including a win on Iroko’s stablemate Jagwar, will be hoping that Aintree brings more big-race success.
Irish Domination Set to Continue?
The Irish dominance in the Grand National has been increasingly apparent over the past decade. Since 2016, Irish-trained horses have won five of the last eight renewals, and the betting markets suggest that 2025 could be another strong year for the raiders.
- Intense Raffles (Tom Gibney) – 15/2
- I Am Maximus (Willie Mullins) – 9/1
- Hewick (Shark Hanlon) – 16/1
- Three Card Brag (Gordon Elliott) – 25/1
- Coko Beach, Fil Dor, Conflated – all representing strong each-way chances
With Elliott, Mullins, and other leading Irish yards targeting Aintree with precision, the British challenge will need to dig deep to fend off another Irish takeover.
A Race Set to Sparkle
The 2025 Grand National is shaping up to be another thrilling renewal, full of rich storylines, top-class horses, and returning champions. Whether it’s Elliott seeking to match a historic record, Sheehan reuniting with Hewick, or Iroko bidding to keep the crown on home soil, this year’s race promises all the drama and excitement we’ve come to expect from the world’s most watched steeplechase.
Mark your calendars: Saturday, 5 April at 16:00 BST, the world will once again turn its attention to Aintree—for what could be a historic afternoon.
