Leading Hopes Confirmed for Easter Monday's Showpiece at Fairyhouse

Leading Hopes Confirmed for Easter Monday’s Showpiece at Fairyhouse

Top Contenders Remain on Course for 2025 BoyleSports Irish Grand National

Some of the most prominent names in the ante-post market are set to line up in next Monday’s BoyleSports Irish Grand National, with several key challengers standing their ground following the latest confirmation stage for the €500,000 highlight at Fairyhouse.

British-trained duo Haiti Couleurs and Johnnywho remain firmly in the mix, while strong Irish representation includes Now Is The Hour for Gavin Cromwell and High Class Hero from Willie Mullins’ yard.

British Pair Among Top Six Hopefuls

A total of six British-trained contenders remain among the 49 horses still in contention. The headline acts from across the Irish Sea are Haiti Couleurs, a dominant winner of the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, and Johnnywho, who finished second in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the same meeting.

Rebecca Curtis will be hoping that Haiti Couleurs can break the recent Irish dominance, while Jonjo and AJ O’Neill, who also have Hasthing entered, will be keeping fingers crossed that both runners make the final cut. Hasthing currently sits just outside the top 30 horses eligible for an automatic place in the line-up if declared by Saturday morning at 10am.

Elliott Dominates Entry List Again

Gordon Elliott has a formidable presence once again, with Better Days Ahead now heading the weights in this year’s renewal. In total, the Cullentra handler has 11 horses left in the mix, including Favori De Champdou, Shecouldbeanything, and the progressive Fortunedefortunata.

Cromwell’s Strongest Challenge Yet

Gavin Cromwell, who is yet to taste success in this famous contest, remains strongly represented. His lead hope is Now Is The Hour, an eye-catcher before falling late on in the National Hunt Chase. He also retains Malina Girl, a consistent performer with strong handicap form, and the improving Bioluminescence among seven still engaged.

Mullins Reduces Team to Four

Champion trainer Willie Mullins, seeking a third Irish Grand National victory, has narrowed his team down to four runners. High Class Hero and Quai De Bourbon head his contingent, with both expected to be competitive in what promises to be a fiercely run race.

Irish Trained Contenders Still Going Strong

Reigning champion trainer Tom Gibney relies on Kinturk Kalanisi, while Paul Nolan sends out Daily Present, who edged out Johnnywho at Cheltenham and looks a lively each-way player.

One of the more intriguing stories is Dunboyne, who is unbeaten in two starts since joining Ian Patrick Donoghue. His recent Ulster National triumph suggests he’s peaking at just the right time.

Also in the mix is Bushmans Pass, winner of the Leinster National, who looks set to carry a light weight for Oliver McKiernan, and Lord Lariat, winner of this race in 2022 for Dermot McLoughlin.

Veteran campaigner Any Second Now, trained by Ted Walsh, also stands his ground and could return for another tilt at the prize, having finished second in last year’s renewal.

Ground and Weather Update from Fairyhouse

Peter Roe, General Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse, provided the latest on conditions:

“We’ve had over 20mm of rain in the past 24 hours, following a dry spell with just 4mm since 24 March. The ground is now yielding, and with further showers expected in the coming days, conditions should be perfect for racing by Easter Monday.

“We’re delighted with the strength and depth of the field for the BoyleSports Irish Grand National and are looking forward to welcoming everyone for another memorable edition of this historic race.”