The 2025 Grand National is now just three days away and as such, now is a great time to register with leading UK bookmaker Ladbrokes where you can enjoy some great bonus promotions and enhanced places for the big race.
Paul O’Brien to Ride Stay Away Fay in the 2025 Randox Grand National
A Series of Unforeseen Changes Lead to O’Brien’s First Grand National Ride
Paul O’Brien will make his debut in the Randox Grand National this year aboard Stay Away Fay, the horse trained by Paul Nicholls. This comes after a series of unexpected changes in jockey bookings, with both Bryony Frost and Johnny Burke stepping aside from the ride.
Frost Withdraws from the Grand National
Initially, Bryony Frost had been scheduled to ride Stay Away Fay, an eight-year-old gelding, in the prestigious race. However, last month Frost notified Nicholls by text that she would be unable to take the ride, as she was required to remain in France over the Grand National weekend. Frost is retained by owners Isaac Souede and Simon Munir, who have other runners competing in France at the same time.
Johnny Burke’s Brief Involvement
On Monday, Paul Nicholls expressed his delight in securing Johnny Burke to ride Stay Away Fay for the Grand National. However, just a day later, Burke was confirmed to ride Minella Cocooner for Willie Mullins in the Grand National, leaving Nicholls in search of a new jockey. Burke’s agent, Gordon Clarkson, confirmed the change but refrained from offering further details regarding the decision.
Nicholls revealed that Burke had been scheduled to school Stay Away Fay on the morning of the race but was informed the night before that Burke would no longer be available. Despite the setbacks, Nicholls confirmed that Stay Away Fay would still compete in the Grand National, and O’Brien was quickly secured for the ride.
Paul O’Brien’s First Grand National Ride
Paul O’Brien, 33, who has never previously ridden for Paul Nicholls, will now take the reins on Stay Away Fay. O’Brien is a regular jockey for Nicholls’ nephew, Harry Derham, and this will be his first Grand National appearance.
While this marks an exciting new chapter in O’Brien’s career, it is noteworthy that Johnny Burke has competed in the Grand National five times, with his best result being fifth place aboard Goonyella in 2016.
Stay Away Fay’s Record and Grand National Prospects
Stay Away Fay enters the race as a 66-1 outsider, having last been seen finishing 11th in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The horse, however, is a Grade 1 winner, having triumphed in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023. As a novice chaser last season, Stay Away Fay also claimed a Grade 2 victory, suggesting that he has the potential to perform well at Aintree.
Nicholls’ Grand National team is further bolstered by Kandoo Kid, who is a 20-1 chance to secure Nicholls his second win in the race. Other horses entered include Threeunderthrufive, Hitman, and Bravemansgame.
Bryony Frost’s Grand National Journey
Bryony Frost, who had been expected to be part of Paul Nicholls’ Grand National team, had previously ridden for the trainer at Aintree. She partnered Sans Bruit to victory in the Red Rum Handicap Chase at the Grand National meeting last year. Although Frost did not ride in the Grand National in 2024, she has twice contested the race, finishing fifth on Milansbar in 2018 and unseating at the 20th fence while riding Yala Enki in 2021.
Frost, whose father Jimmy won the 1989 Grand National aboard Little Polveir, now rides in France, where she is retained by leading owners Munir and Souede. This year, Munir and Souede will be represented in the Grand National by Intense Raffles.
As the countdown to the Grand National continues, all eyes will be on Stay Away Fay and the jockeys vying for a historic victory at Aintree.
