The air crackles with anticipation as horse racing enthusiasts gear up for one of the highlights of the Irish sporting calendar: the Irish Grand National 2025.
This historic steeplechase, renowned for its demanding course and thrilling finishes, promises another unforgettable spectacle.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual observer, our comprehensive guide has you covered with all the essential information, including the latest on runners and riders, expert tips, and answers to your burning questions.
Where is the Irish Grand National 2025?
The Irish Grand National 2025 will once again be held at the iconic Fairyhouse Racecourse in County Meath, Ireland. This picturesque venue has been the traditional home of the race since 1870, providing a challenging and fair test for both horses and jockeys over its demanding three miles and five furlongs.
What Date is the Irish Grand National?
Mark your calendars! The Irish Grand National 2025 is scheduled to take place on Easter Monday, which falls on April 21st, 2025. This Bank Holiday Monday provides the perfect opportunity for racing fans across Ireland and beyond to tune in or attend in person for a day of thrilling National Hunt action.
Who is Favourite to Win the Irish Grand National?
As the race draws closer, the betting markets are heating up, and the list of potential contenders is taking shape. According to early odds and expert analysis, Haiti Couleurs has emerged as a prominent Irish Grand National favourite. Trained by Rebecca Curtis, this impressive gelding showcased his staying power with a notable victory in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Adding further intrigue, champion jockey-elect Sean Bowen is slated to take the reins, bolstering his chances.
However, the Irish Grand National is notoriously unpredictable, and several other horses are attracting significant attention. Veteran campaigner Any Second Now, trained by Ted Walsh, is a popular choice, having finished second in this race last year and boasting impressive form in the Aintree Grand National with a second and third-place finish in previous years. Despite his age, his experience and proven stamina make him a compelling each-way prospect.
Other contenders to watch include Johnnywho, part of a strong JP McManus team, and Quai De Bourbon from the Willie Mullins stable, despite his recent uncharacteristic runs. The final declarations and betting fluctuations in the lead-up to the race will provide a clearer picture of the leading fancies.
Why Has Fairyhouse Been Abandoned?
It’s important to clarify that there have been no reports or indications that Fairyhouse has been abandoned for the Irish Grand National 2025. Fairyhouse remains the firm and traditional home of this prestigious event. Any past instances of abandonment at other racecourses are unrelated to the scheduled location of the Irish Grand National. Rest assured, the excitement and tradition of the Irish Grand National will continue at Fairyhouse.
How Many Horses Are in the Irish Grand National?
The Irish Grand National is a large-field handicap chase, typically featuring a maximum of 30 runners. This large number of participants adds to the excitement and unpredictability of the race, with horses of varying ages, abilities, and weights vying for the coveted title.
Is I am Maximus a Stallion?
No, I am Maximus is a gelding. This means he is a castrated male horse and therefore cannot be a stallion, which is an uncastrated male horse used for breeding. While I am Maximus is not directly mentioned in the context of the Irish Grand National 2025 information provided, understanding the difference between a stallion and a gelding is fundamental in horse racing.
Late Changes Made to Irish Grand National Field After Two Are Pulled Out – Full List of Confirmed Runners and Riders
In a dramatic turn of events leading up to the Irish Grand National 2025, there have been late changes made to the Irish Grand National field after two horses, Tullybeg and Hasthing, were pulled out before the 10 am reserve deadline. This reshuffling has allowed two reserve runners, Another Choice and Will Do, to make the cut and join the final lineup of contenders.
Another Choice, trained by Matthew Smith and ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, now gets his chance to compete in the prestigious race. Meanwhile, Will Do, a stablemate of the withdrawn Tullybeg from the Gordon Elliott yard, will be partnered by 7lb claimer Harry Sexton. Will Do enters the race with encouraging form, having finished third in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, where he was beaten by the current favourite, Haiti Couleurs.
This late alteration adds another layer of intrigue to the race, as both Another Choice and Will Do will be eager to seize this unexpected opportunity on the big stage at Fairyhouse.
Irish Grand National 2025: The Full List of Runners and Riders
Here is the confirmed list of runners for the Irish Grand National 2025 at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, April 21st, along with their latest odds (subject to change):
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haiti Couleurs | Sean Bowen | Rebecca Curtis | 5/1 |
| Now Is The Hour | Conor Stone-Walsh (3) | Gavin Cromwell | 6/1 |
| Johnnywho | Derek O’Connor | Jonjo & AJ O’Neill | 8/1 |
| Kinturk Kalanisi | Darragh O’Keeffe | Thomas Gibney | 10/1 |
| Bioluminescence | Keith Donoghue | Gavin Cromwell | 10/1 |
| Daily Present | Aidan Kelly (5) | Paul Nolan | 12/1 |
| Malina Girl | Sean Flanagan | Gavin Cromwell | 14/1 |
| Will Do | Harry Sexton (7) | Gordon Elliott | 14/1 |
| Bushmans Pass | Philip Enright | Philip Rothwell | 14/1 |
| Better Days Ahead | Rob James (7) | Gordon Elliott | 11/1 |
| Quai De Bourbon | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | 20/1 |
| Favori De Champdou | Danny Gilligan | Gordon Elliott | 20/1 |
| Sa Majeste | Simon Torrens | Willie Mullins | 20/1 |
| Any Second Now | Mark Walsh | Ted Walsh | 20/1 |
| Panda Boy | Ricky Doyle | Martin Brassil | 20/1 |
| Yeah Man | Kieren Buckley | Gavin Cromwell | 20/1 |
| Sequestered | Jack Gilligan (5) | P. J. Gilligan | 25/1 |
| Lord Lariat | Paddy O’Hanlon | E. Bolger | 25/1 |
| Mint Boy | Kevin Sexton | Henry de Bromhead | 25/1 |
| Dunboyne | Donagh Meyler | G. P. Cromwell | 25/1 |
| Noble Birth | Daniel King | J. P. Brogan | 25/1 |
| Another Choice | Sean O’Keeffe | Matthew Smith | 25/1 |
| Harry Des Ongrais | Rachael Blackmore | Henry de Bromhead | 33/1 |
| Search For Glory | Sam Ewing | Gordon Elliott | 33/1 |
| Duffle Coat | Alex Harvey (5) | Gordon Elliott | 40/1 |
| Final Orders | Patrick O’Brien (7) | Gavin Cromwell | 50/1 |
| Stuzzikini | Gearoid Brouder (3) | Terence O’Brien | 50/1 |
| Desertmore House | J. J. Slevin | Martin Brassil | 66/1 |
| Moonovercloon | Ben Harvey | Paul Nolan | 66/1 |
Irish Grand National Runners and Riders as Well as a Tip for the Big Race at Fairyhouse
With the final field confirmed and the anticipation building, the crucial question remains: who will triumph in the Irish Grand National 2025?
While Haiti Couleurs holds the position of favourite, the unpredictable nature of this marathon chase means that an upset is always a possibility. Any Second Now‘s experience and consistent performances in major Nationals make him a strong contender for those seeking an each-way bet at potentially generous odds.
Johnnywho represents a fascinating prospect as a novice with strong form, and the booking of Derek O’Connor suggests connections have high hopes. Quai De Bourbon, despite his recent mishaps, possesses undeniable talent and could bounce back on this occasion.
Our Tip for the Irish Grand National 2025:
Considering his proven stamina, course experience, and the potential for favourable odds, Any Second Now presents a compelling each-way bet in the Irish Grand National 2025. While Haiti Couleurs is a deserving favourite, the veteran campaigner has the class and resilience to be in the mix at the finish.
Stay Tuned for More Updates!
As Easter Monday approaches, be sure to stay updated with the latest news, betting odds, and expert analysis for the Irish Grand National 2025. This thrilling race promises to be a spectacle you won’t want to miss!
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