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Paul Nolan Targets First Irish Grand National Glory with Daily Present
Cheltenham hero bids to topple Haiti Couleurs in star-studded Fairyhouse field on Easter Monday
Trainer Paul Nolan is hoping that Cheltenham Festival success can finally pave the way to his first ever BoyleSports Irish Grand National triumph, as his Kim Muir winner Daily Present gears up for a tilt at the €500,000 contest at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, 21st April.
While Haiti Couleurs, trained in Britain by Rebecca Curtis, currently leads the betting as the 8/1 favourite, Nolan believes his Festival scorer can spoil the party and deliver a long-awaited victory in Ireland’s richest jumps race.
Daily Present Primed for Fairyhouse After Cheltenham Triumph
Daily Present produced a staying masterclass at Cheltenham, powering home under a confident ride from 7lb claiming amateur Barry Stone to deny the well-fancied Johnnywho in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.
That success immediately put Fairyhouse on Nolan’s radar.
“The Irish National was the first thing that came to mind after Cheltenham,” Nolan said. “He came out of the race very well and has earned his shot at a big one. He’s improving all the time.”
Currently priced at 14/1 with BoyleSports, Daily Present is well-handicapped off a mark of 9st 10lb and looks a lively contender in a wide-open renewal of the 3m5f staying test.
A First National for Nolan?
Despite having sent out a host of talented stayers, Paul Nolan has never landed the Irish Grand National. He came close with the late Latest Exhibition, who was sent off favourite in 2021 before finishing fourth behind 150-1 shock winner Freewheelin Dylan.
This time around, Nolan is more hopeful than expectant but feels Daily Present’s profile and progression fit the mould for a serious contender.
“It’s a race I’ve always wanted to win. We’ve been knocking on the door before, and it would be a huge moment for the whole team if we could finally land it.”
Cheltenham Winners Galore Among the Entries
Nolan’s charge is one of four Cheltenham Festival winners who could line up at Fairyhouse:
- Haiti Couleurs (10st) – National Hunt Chase winner, now trained by Rebecca Curtis, heads the market after a commanding Festival display.
- Stumptown (10st 8lb) – Cross Country Chase victor, and one of Gavin Cromwell’s leading hopes among his 11 entries.
- Wonderwall (9st 9lb) – Winner of the Hunters’ Chase, trained by Sam Curling, who brings strong credentials in amateur races.
All four are unpenalised for their Cheltenham victories, making them especially appealing from a handicapping perspective. The Irish Grand National has a history of favouring Festival form — and this year’s edition looks no different.
Gibney Eyes a Hat-Trick of Fairyhouse Wins
Tom Gibney, who sent out Lion Na Bearnai to spring a 33-1 shock in 2012 and followed up with Intense Raffles last year, is back with another potential star in Kinturk Kalanisi (9st 8lb).
While his leading light Intense Raffles is now bound for Aintree as the Grand National favourite, Gibney hopes Kinturk Kalanisi can continue his love affair with Fairyhouse, representing great each-way value in a competitive field.
“This race has been very lucky for us, and we think Kinturk Kalanisi is going the right way,” Gibney said. “He’s unexposed and deserves a crack at it.”
British Trainers Return in Force
The last British-trained winner of the Irish National was Shutthefrontdoor in 2014, who gave Barry Geraghty a memorable success. His trainer Jonjo O’Neill, now training alongside son AJ, has entered:
- Johnnywho (10st 5lb) – Runner-up to Daily Present in the Kim Muir and shaping like a stayer with more to offer.
- Hasthing (9st 5lb) – A lightly raced type who may improve for the step up in trip.
Other British-based contenders include:
- Iroko (10st 11lb) – Second favourite for the Aintree Grand National, entered by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.
- Resplendent Grey (9st 13lb) – Novice chaser for Olly Murphy.
- Henry’s Friend (10st 2lb) – An improving type for Ben Pauling who could be underestimated.
Elite Talent at the Top of the Weights
Topping the handicap is last year’s Grand National and 2023 Irish National winner I Am Maximus (11st 12lb), rated 167. While it’s more likely he heads back to Aintree, his inclusion underlines the quality at the top of the weights.
Defending champion Intense Raffles has been allotted 11st 1lb, an 11lb rise from last year’s winning mark. Though unlikely to run here due to Aintree commitments, his presence on the list shows the depth of the entries.
Final Thoughts: Can Nolan Finally Lift the Trophy?
With a proven stayer, a Festival-winning amateur, and a handicap mark that offers opportunity, Paul Nolan’s Daily Present ticks plenty of boxes. But he’ll have to overcome a deep and talented field of Irish and British challengers to finally land the Irish Grand National.
This year’s renewal boasts strength, form, and fascinating storylines — from Curtis’s British favourite, to Cromwell’s multi-pronged attack, and the ever-threatening presence of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott.
But for Nolan, a win at Fairyhouse with Daily Present would not only be a career highlight — it would be just reward for years of near-misses in one of the most prestigious races on the Irish racing calendar.
📅 Race Date: Monday, 21 April 2025
🏇 Distance: 3 miles 5 furlongs
💰 Prize Fund: €500,000 (€270,000 to the winner)
📍 Venue: Fairyhouse Racecourse
With the countdown on, Daily Present could be the horse to finally give Paul Nolan his National moment.
