From Brown Lad to Nick Rockett — the enduring history of a true staying test
The Irish Grand National has been a mainstay of the racing calendar since 1870, firmly establishing itself as one of the Emerald Isle’s most prestigious contests. Hosted at Fairyhouse Racecourse in County Meath, this marathon three-mile-five-furlong chase demands stamina, grit, and no small amount of tactical nous, with 24 fences standing between horse and history.
With a €500,000 prize pool and a roll of honour featuring some of the sport’s biggest names, the race is a major part of the Easter Festival and holds similar prestige to its counterparts at Aintree, Ayr, and Chepstow.
Here’s a look back at the most recent winners — a decade of drama, shocks, and staying stars.
2024 – Intense Raffles Blasts Home for Thomas Gibney
- 🥇 Intense Raffles (13/2) – J J Slevin | Trainer: Thomas Gibney
- 🥈 Any Second Now (14/1) – Mark Walsh | Ted Walsh
- 🥉 Minella Cocooner (20/1) – Danny Mullins | Willie Mullins
- 4th Frontal Assault (25/1) – Carl Millar | Gordon Elliott
A thrilling finish saw Intense Raffles storm to victory in the 2024 Irish National, providing Thomas Gibney with a career-defining win.
2023 – I Am Maximus Reigns Supreme for Mullins
- 🥇 I Am Maximus (8/1) – Paul Townend | Willie Mullins
- 🥈 Gevrey (28/1) – Brian Hayes | Gordon Elliott
- 🥉 Defi Bleu (28/1) – Gavin Brouder | Gordon Elliott
- 4th Dolcita (33/1) – Danny Mullins | Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins ended his long wait for an Irish National victory with this talented French-bred gelding, ridden with confidence by Paul Townend.
2022 – Lord Lariat Lands a Surprise Blow
- 🥇 Lord Lariat (40/1) – Paddy O’Hanlon | Dermot McLoughlin
- 🥈 Frontal Assault (18/1) – Jack Kennedy | Gordon Elliott
- 🥉 Gaillard Du Mesnil (11/2F) – Paul Townend | Willie Mullins
- 4th Screaming Colours (18/1) – Mr J J Codd | William Durkan
A second successive shock for Dermot McLoughlin, with Lord Lariat emulating Freewheelin Dylan’s fairy-tale win the year before.
2021 – Freewheelin Dylan Shocks at 150/1
- 🥇 Freewheelin Dylan (150/1) – Ricky Doyle | Dermot McLoughlin
- 🥈 Run Wild Fred (9/1) – Jack Kennedy | Denise Foster
- 🥉 Enjoy D’allen (40/1) – Conor Orr | Ciaran Murphy
- 4th Latest Exhibition (9/2F) – Bryan Cooper | Paul Nolan
One of the greatest upsets in modern jump racing — few saw it coming, but Freewheelin Dylan held on in remarkable fashion.
2020 – Race Cancelled Due to Covid-19
2019 – Burrows Saint Delivers for Ruby and Willie
- 🥇 Burrows Saint (6/1F) – Ruby Walsh | Willie Mullins
- 🥈 Isleofhopendreams (20/1) – Willie Mullins | Danny Mullins
- 🥉 Acapella Bourgeois (18/1) – Willie Mullins | Jonathan Burke
- 4th Snugsborough Benny (14/1) – Denis O’Regan | Liam Cussack
A clean sweep for Mullins-trained runners, with Burrows Saint emerging as a future Aintree Grand National contender.
2018 – General Principle Edges a Thriller
- 🥇 General Principle (20/1) – J J Slevin | Gordon Elliott
- 🥈 Isleofhopendreams (16/1) – Danny Mullins | Willie Mullins
- 🥉 Forever Gold (20/1) – Adam Short | Edward Cawley
A typically dramatic renewal saw a tight finish, with Elliott and Slevin combining for a hard-earned victory.
2017 – Our Duke Lives Up to the Hype
- 🥇 Our Duke (9/2F) – Robbie Power | Jessica Harrington
- 🥈 Bless The Wings (12/1) – Jack Kennedy | Gordon Elliott
- 🥉 Abolitionist (14/1) – Rachael Blackmore | Ellmarie Holden
An imperious round of jumping from Our Duke, who justified favouritism in commanding style.
2016 – Rogue Angel Grabs a Gutsy Win
- 🥇 Rogue Angel (16/1) – Ger Fox | Michael F. Morris
- 🥈 Bless The Wings (12/1) – Ruby Walsh | Gordon Elliott
- 🥉 Ballyadam Approach (33/1) – David Splaine | Terrence O’Brien
A front-running masterclass from Rogue Angel, grinding out a hard-fought victory under a gritty ride.
2015 – Sword Fish Sails Home
- 🥇 Sword Fish (9/2) – Mark Walsh | Christy Roche
- 🥈 Thelobstercatcher (9/1) – Brian Hayes | Pat A. Fahy
- 🥉 Montana Slim (4/1J) – Shane Crimin | Michael O’Hare
A solid performance from Sword Fish, rewarding punters who latched on to the market support.
2014 – Pineau De Re Stakes His Claim
- 🥇 Pineau De Re (25/1) – Leighton Aspell | Dr Richard Newland
- 🥈 Balthazar King (14/1) – Richard Johnson | Philip Hobbs
- 🥉 Double Seven (10/1J) – A P McCoy | Martin Brassil
Just weeks later, Pineau De Re would go on to win the Aintree Grand National, underlining his class as a top stayer.
A Race Steeped in Tradition
From Arkle and Desert Orchid to Brown Lad – who famously won the race three times in the 1970s – the Irish Grand National is rich with history. Horses such as Rhyme ‘n’ Reason, Bobbyjo, and Numbersixvalverde have all triumphed at both Fairyhouse and Aintree, joining an exclusive club of dual National heroes.
No horse has yet pulled off the rare feat of winning both races in the same year, but with each passing Easter Monday, the opportunity arises once more.
