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The Grand National: Tradition, Transformation and the Debate Over Dominance
With just over a week to go until the 2025 Grand National at Aintree, the final shape of the field is beginning to crystallise. While a late withdrawal or two could yet alter the final line-up, last week’s forfeit stage effectively confirmed the horses most likely to take part. And, almost as predictably as the runners themselves, the familiar voices of dissent were soon heard.
Frustration and concern
A number of British trainers, including past Grand National winners Kim Bailey and Dr Richard Newland, have expressed concern that the race is increasingly dominated by Ireland’s major training operations. In particular, the spotlight falls on Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, whose combined strength in depth has come to define modern jump racing. Sara Bradstock, too, voiced her frustration over Mr Vango – a talented, home-trained chaser from her Wantage yard – who, despite an attractive handicap mark and strong credentials, seems unlikely to make the final cut.
Losing identity
These sentiments echo a broader worry among racing traditionalists: that the Grand National, once the great leveller in the sport, is gradually losing the distinct identity that made it unique. The iconic fences – Becher’s Brook, The Chair – remain, as does the unmistakable shape of Aintree’s grand course. But critics argue that the soul of the National has been eroded in the name of progress.
Transformation
The changes are not imaginary. Over the past decade, the race has undergone significant transformation. The maximum field size was reduced to 34 runners in 2023, the fences have been modified to enhance safety, and the overall race distance has been marginally shortened. Each change was implemented with careful consideration for horse and rider welfare, and with the aim of securing the race’s long-term future. Yet the sentiment lingers that what was once the ultimate test of stamina, courage, and unpredictability has become more of a polished, professional contest – and, crucially, one now firmly skewed in favour of powerful Irish stables.
Balance of power
The statistics lend weight to the argument. In last year’s Grand National, only seven of the 32 runners were trained in Britain. Six of the first seven home hailed from the yards of Mullins, Elliott or Henry de Bromhead. It is clear that the balance of power has shifted significantly. At Cheltenham earlier this month, Irish trainers claimed 20 of the 28 Festival winners, including 10 for Mullins alone. His strength in depth was perhaps most starkly displayed in the Triumph Hurdle, where he fielded 11 of the 17 runners – and still managed to send out a 100-1 winner.
Drastic action
It is this imbalance that has prompted some British trainers to call for drastic action. Newland, for instance, has previously suggested imposing a cap on the number of runners per trainer in the Grand National – or, more controversially, a blanket limit on Irish-trained horses in British races. In a recent interview, he argued: “There are three or four really big players and it’s killing our sport. Spreading those horses around more yards benefits so many more and makes the sport healthier.”
Predictable affair
Bradstock has supported the idea of limiting trainers to three or four National runners. The intention is clear: to restore a measure of opportunity for smaller British yards and prevent the race from becoming a predictable affair dominated by a handful of elite contenders.
Diverse range
But is such a move realistic – or even fair? After all, the Grand National is a competitive event, and to limit the number of horses a trainer can run would effectively punish success. Owners would be told where and how they can place their horses, regardless of investment or ambition. Mullins, it is worth noting, may have 11 runners in a major race, but they often represent a diverse range of owners – a crucial point in understanding the nature of large-scale training operations.
Occasional fairytale
Furthermore, the narrative of Irish dominance, while valid in part, does not tell the whole story. This year, 18 of the 34 horses currently guaranteed a run at Aintree are trained in Britain. The second-favourite, Iroko, is from the up-and-coming partnership of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, whose yard in Cheshire operates on a relatively modest scale. Michael Keady, another British trainer with a guaranteed starter, bought Horantzau D’Airy for just over £50,000 in an online sale. He has yet to saddle a winner over jumps. These stories reaffirm that the Grand National still provides a stage for ambition, enterprise, and the occasional fairytale.
Dream of glory
And then there is Intense Raffles, the current favourite. Trained by Tom Gibney in County Meath, his is a classic National story – a relatively small yard, a strong but unflashy horse, and the dream of glory on racing’s biggest day. That he is trained in Ireland rather than Britain does not lessen the romance. In fact, it highlights the reality that small yards with big dreams still exist – on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Tradition and evolution
Ultimately, the Grand National remains one of the most competitive and unpredictable races in the world. The depth of quality in the field is arguably higher than ever, and the changes implemented over the past decade have been made with the race’s future in mind. While nostalgia for the old National is understandable, the modern version offers a blend of tradition and evolution – retaining its iconic status while adapting to the demands of the present.
Mr Vango may miss out this year, but his time could yet come. For now, the Grand National continues to stir the imagination and ignite debate – proof, if any were needed, that the race still matters.
