Irish Grand National 2025: In-Depth Runner-by-Runner Betting Preview
The final stretch of the jumps season brings the spotlight to Fairyhouse for Ireland’s richest handicap chase
As the curtain begins to fall on another thrilling National Hunt campaign, one of the biggest events of the season takes centre stage — the Boylesports Irish Grand National.
A maximum field of 30 runners is permitted, and following a swathe of withdrawals at the five-day confirmation stage, the shape of the contest has changed dramatically. Here’s a look at 40 of the remaining 49 entries, focusing on the most likely starters and market leaders ahead of Easter Monday’s €500,000 feature.
🏇 Haiti Couleurs – 8yo, 10st 0lb
Trainer: Rebecca Curtis | Rating: 141 | Odds: 6/1
Form: -21131 | Jockey: TBC
A Cheltenham Festival winner who’s looked a natural since going chasing. His National Hunt Chase success marked him out as a thorough stayer, and he did it with something to spare. A 7lb rise in the weights is unlikely to be too punishing, and his progressive profile makes him one of the standout contenders. Likely to be popular in the market as the big day approaches.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Now Is The Hour – 8yo, 10st 0lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 141 | Odds: 8/1
Form: 2-654F | Jockey: TBC
Was still travelling well before falling two out in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. While the stamina box is ticked, the concern will be how well he’s recovered from that heavy fall. He’s clearly got ability, but punters may prefer to judge him mid-race based on how he’s jumping.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 High Class Hero – 8yo, 10st 7lb
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Rating: 148 | Odds: 10/1
Form: P2-212 | Jockey: TBC
A solid sort but perhaps not the pick of the Mullins yard. Beaten at odds-on last time out and form around the likes of Loughglynn and Shannon Royal doesn’t scream Grand National winner. This is his handicap debut, which might bring improvement — but over an unproven trip, it’s a gamble.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Johnnywho – 8yo, 10st 5lb
Trainer: Jonjo & A J O’Neill | Rating: 146 | Odds: 10/1
Form: -13332 | Jockey: TBC
Promised plenty, but has often flattered to deceive. Looked poised to win the Kim Muir before fluffing the final fence and couldn’t claw his way back. That lack of finishing kick is a concern, especially in a race like this. Could struggle to see it through when the going gets tough.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Better Days Ahead – 7yo, 10st 13lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 154 | Odds: 12/1
Form: 3-1213 | Jockey: TBC
There’s a lot to like about this classy type. Ran a strong race in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham, and his staying profile suits this test. The major negative is the weight — carrying top weight in a race like this is a tall order. If he handles it, he’ll be there or thereabouts.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Daily Present – 8yo, 9st 10lb
Trainer: Paul Nolan | Rating: 137 | Odds: 12/1
Form: 5P-331 | Jockey: TBC
Took a significant step forward when landing the Kim Muir, getting the better of Johnnywho. However, the weight swing is not in his favour here, and it remains to be seen if he can find further improvement. Place claims at best.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Canal End – 7yo, 9st 2lb
Trainer: Peter Fahey | Rating: 129 | Odds: 14/1
Form: 575821 | Jockey: TBC
Started the season quietly but sprang to life over an extended trip last time. Looked beaten three out, but stayed on stoutly to win with something in hand. He’s gone up in the weights, but is still well treated on a featherweight. Might just be the dark horse in this year’s renewal.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Kinturk Kalanisi – 7yo, 9st 8lb
Trainer: Thomas Gibney | Rating: 135 | Odds: 16/1
Form: 3-322U | Jockey: TBC
Was travelling strongly before unseating late on in the Leinster National, and brings some smart form to the table. He looks like a stayer in the making and may well relish this longer trip. If he can stay on his feet, he’s a lively outsider.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Malina Girl – 8yo, 10st 1lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 142 | Odds: 20/1
Form: 54-323 | Jockey: TBC
Gutsy and reliable, but with 23 chase starts to her name, improvement may not be forthcoming. Her third in the Ultima was a fine effort, but she may find herself outclassed here.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Quai De Bourbon – 6yo, 10st 7lb
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Rating: 148 | Odds: 20/1
Form: 1-31UB | Jockey: TBC
There’s no doubt this six-year-old remains very much unexposed, especially over fences. Although brought down at the 14th fence at Aintree, he was full of running at the time and Patrick Mullins had yet to ask any questions. A mark of 148 might well underestimate him considering both of his non-completions came in top-level company. Has the look of one who’s still improving and could outrun his price.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Any Second Now – 13yo, 9st 12lb
Trainer: Ted Walsh | Rating: 139 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 672-45 | Jockey: TBC
An admirable veteran, who defied his age to finish second in this race last year. Connections have targeted this race again, but at 13 years old, it’s asking a lot for him to go one better. Just a pound lower than in 2024, and while a gallant run wouldn’t surprise, winning looks unlikely in such a competitive renewal.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Bioluminescence – 7yo, 10st 4lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 145 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 1P-122 | Jockey: TBC
A likeable mare who’s adapted well to fences. She chased home Dancing City and Spindleberry in decent company and is the type to appreciate further. Rain-softened ground would boost her claims and if she stays the trip, she could give a solid account.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Bushmans Pass – 9yo, 9st 6lb
Trainer: Oliver McKiernan | Rating: 133 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 31-5P1 | Jockey: TBC
Bounced back with a win in the Leinster National, but had disappointed before that in deeper races, including when pulled up at Punchestown and well beaten in the Thyestes. Might set the pace for a while, but he could find himself outclassed when it matters most.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Favori De Champdou – 10yo, 10st 2lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 143 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 1-8331 | Jockey: TBC
Despite now being in double digits, he’s kept good company and performed admirably. A recent win at Down Royal showed there’s still life in the legs, and he has form in competitive staying chases. Not without a squeak for a place.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Mint Boy – 7yo, 9st 10lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 137 | Odds: 25/1
Form: -3703U | Jockey: TBC
Still finding his feet and looks held on form so far. He might turn into a better horse with time, but as things stand, this feels a step beyond him.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Panda Boy – 9yo, 10st 1lb
Trainer: Martin Brassil | Rating: 142 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 40-703 | Jockey: TBC
Has long been touted as one to watch in a major handicap, but he’s yet to come good on that promise. Missed opportunities have become a theme, and he’s difficult to trust in a race of this magnitude.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Sa Majeste – 7yo, 9st 13lb
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Rating: 140 | Odds: 25/1
Form: -21513 | Jockey: TBC
Has been consistent over fences but didn’t quite get home in the Kim Muir, fading when it mattered. A flatter track could help, and he should run creditably, though he may just find a few too strong in the closing stages.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Will Do – 8yo, 9st 4lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 131 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 325623 | Jockey: TBC
Yet to get his head in front over fences but has run with credit in several staying events, including a good third behind Haiti Couleurs at Cheltenham. If he takes his chance and the Festival hasn’t taken its toll, he could be one for the shortlist at a big price.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Duffle Coat – 8yo, 10st 3lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 144 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 52P4BU | Jockey: TBC
Unlucky at Cheltenham when brought down in the National Hunt Chase, and didn’t make it far at Aintree either. He retains ability, but he’s had a rough time of it lately. If things go more smoothly here, he could run better than his odds suggest.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Dunboyne – 10yo, 9st 8lb
Trainer: Ian Patrick Donoghue | Rating: 135 | Odds: 33/1
Form: PP-P11 | Jockey: TBC
A change of scenery seems to have done wonders for Dunboyne, who’s rediscovered his enthusiasm for racing under new trainer Ian Patrick Donoghue. Back-to-back wins, including a gritty Ulster National success over Final Orders, underline his current wellbeing. Given his resurgence, connections would be wise to let him take his chance — and he might just make his presence felt.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Hasthing – 8yo, 9st 5lb
Trainer: Jonjo & A J O’Neill | Rating: 132 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 4114FB | Jockey: TBC
Recent mishaps, including a last-fence fall in the National Hunt Chase and being brought down early in the Scottish National, raise questions about his confidence. Yet, his earlier form points to a progressive chaser with plenty of stamina. If he can put those incidents behind him, a decent each-way run isn’t out of the question.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Noble Birth – 8yo, 9st 5lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 132 | Odds: 33/1
Form: -27331 | Jockey: TBC
Finally broke his maiden tag for Gavin Cromwell last time out, and we’ve seen the trainer work wonders with similar types. That said, this demands a huge leap in class, and it would be a monumental surprise were he to land the prize.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Search For Glory – 8yo, 10st 2lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 143 | Odds: 33/1
Form: -12307 | Jockey: TBC
Looked highly promising early this season, notably behind Impaire Et Passe, but has regressed in recent outings at Leopardstown and Cheltenham. A return to early-season form would give him an outside place chance, but he’s not an easy one to trust right now.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Sequestered – 7yo, 10st 2lb
Trainer: Paul John Gilligan | Rating: 143 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 844120 | Jockey: TBC
Well-supported in the Ultima but couldn’t land a blow. His form prior to that included a good effort at the Dublin Racing Festival, but his current mark may be holding him back. Likely to be outclassed in this deeper contest.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Val Dancer – 8yo, 9st 4lb
Trainer: Mel Rowley | Rating: 131 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 33-113 | Jockey: TBC
The Welsh National winner bids to make history by completing a rare double. Still on a workable mark, and if allowed to dictate from the front, could keep plugging away when others have cried enough. Don’t dismiss too lightly.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Yeah Man – 8yo, 10st 1lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 142 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 9-34U9 | Jockey: TBC
Won the Grand National Trial at Haydock last term but hasn’t built on that since. A mark that’s 9lb higher than his last win suggests he’s still a bit too high in the weights. Best watched unless the handicapper relents.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Another Choice – 8yo, 9st 5lb
Trainer: Matthew Smith | Rating: 132 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 744292 | Jockey: TBC
Hasn’t won since 2022 but has shaped well in defeat, including over a similar trip to this. Connections have kept him fresh with this in mind, and he’s run well at Fairyhouse before. Could be one for each-way punters at a price.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Final Orders – 9yo, 9st 8lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 132 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 700632 | Jockey: TBC
Showed a flicker of revival in the Ulster National after a long spell in the wilderness. Still, he hasn’t looked like winning a race of this nature for some time, and others are more convincing.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Fortunedefortunata – 8yo, 9st 1lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 128 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 502015 | Jockey: TBC
Outstayed Favori De Champdou and Will Do in the Punchestown Grand National Trial, but couldn’t replicate that effort at Kilbeggan. Dropped 2lb since and if he finds that earlier spark, he could run better than his odds suggest.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Lord Lariat – 10yo, 9st 11lb
Trainer: Dermot A McLoughlin | Rating: 138 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 467/4P | Jockey: TBC
The 2022 Irish Grand National winner returns but has shown little since to suggest a repeat. That said, horses can spring back to life when returning to a favoured venue, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he ran better than recent form suggests.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Monbeg Park – 8yo, 10st 8lb
Trainer: Sean Thomas Doyle | Rating: 149 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 222314 | Jockey: TBC
Talented but quirky. Has posted some high-level form, but can be his own worst enemy. With a high enough mark already, he’s going to have to dig deep to feature in this company.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Shecouldbeanything – 8yo, 10st 0lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 141 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 111533 | Jockey: TBC
A likeable mare who’s been admirably consistent, but this is a whole new level. Likely to find this a bridge too far.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Desertmore House – 10yo, 10st 1lb
Trainer: Martin Brassil | Rating: 142 | Odds: 66/1
Form: -P4300 | Jockey: TBC
Form figures this term don’t inspire much confidence. It’s hard to make a case for him being involved at any stage.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Harry Des Ongrais – 8yo, 10st 4lb
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Rating: 145 | Odds: 66/1
Form: 57/512 | Jockey: TBC
One from three over fences and open to more progress. He was no match for Fun Fun Fun in a Grade 3, but ran well enough to suggest he’s not out of place in deeper waters. Off a fair mark for his handicap debut, he’s an interesting outsider.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Cleatus Poolaw – 7yo, 9st 2lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 129 | Odds: 100/1
Form: -F476P | Jockey: TBC
Yet to finish within touching distance in any of his six chase appearances this term, and his performances have lacked fluency and spark. Even if he sneaks in at the foot of the weights, this looks a task far beyond his current capabilities.
Verdict: ⭐️
🏇 History Of Fashion – 11yo, 9st 2lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 129 | Odds: 100/1
Form: -F476P | Jockey: TBC
Proved he could stay this trip when landing a course-and-distance win in December, beating the likes of Another Choiceand Daily Present. However, he’s since failed to back that up and raised fresh doubts when running out late on in the Eider Chase. Course form is a plus, but he’ll need to wind back the clock to have any sort of say.
Verdict: ⭐️⭐️
🏇 Macs Charm – 10yo, 9st 3lb
Trainer: Colm Murphy | Rating: 130 | Odds: 100/1
Form: 5-0987 | Jockey: TBC
Out of sorts this season and hasn’t been competitive in any of his recent starts. He’s become difficult to support, and a return to form looks unlikely, even if he does make the final line-up.
Verdict: ⭐️
🏇 Moonovercloon – 8yo, 9st 6lb
Trainer: Matthew Smith | Rating: 133 | Odds: 100/1
Form: 3F27U5 | Jockey: TBC
Hasn’t managed to get his head in front over fences, though he’s placed a few times. Notably absent from chasing action since last autumn and unseated on his last run. This feels an overly ambitious ask for his reappearance.
Verdict: ⭐️
🏇 Stuzzikini – 7yo, 9st 11lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 138 | Odds: 100/1
Form: 15310P | Jockey: TBC
Pulled up in the National Hunt Chase and hasn’t been overly convincing in previous staying efforts. His presence would add depth to the field, but he’s unlikely to be troubling the principals.
Verdict: ⭐️
🏇 Tullybeg – 10yo, 9st 11lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 138 | Odds: 100/1
Form: -53039 | Jockey: TBC
Out of the winner’s enclosure for well over a year and returning from an extended absence. Form figures suggest he’s not progressing, and on all known evidence, he’s up against it in a race of this depth.
Verdict: ⭐️
🏆 Irish Grand National 2025 Verdict
This year’s edition of the BoyleSports Irish Grand National promises to be a cracker, with a mix of proven stayers and rising talents in the line-up.
While big odds have delivered in the past, Haiti Couleurs looks the standout. A commanding winner of the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, he arrives here with a progressive profile, course-suitable tactics, and only a minor weight rise to contend with. He’s the one they all have to beat.
Each-way value seekers might find plenty to like in Canal End, Better Days Ahead, and Quai De Bourbon, while Harry Des Ongrais could be the dark horse of the race on his handicap debut. Don’t ignore the claims of Dunboyne either, who’s found his form at the right time.
*Running order subject to change on the day of declarations
**Weights may be revised at the final declarations stage
