Intense Raffles is the new favourite for the 2025 Grand National after connections withdrew Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin from the Aintree showpiece.
According to Sports View, trainer Tom Gibney’s talented stayer is rated as a 7/1 shot to claim victory in the prestigious long-distance steeplechase next month.
The dashing grey won the Irish Grand National last year and recently ran an excellent trial when finishing second in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.
Connections wary of drying ground at Aintree
Intense Raffles’ triumph in the Irish National was on heavy ground and his connections are wary about the potential conditions at Aintree.
The seven-year-old produces his best form with give in the ground and the recent sunny weather could hinder his chances of getting his ideal conditions.
Anthony Bromley, the racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, is hoping the weather changes before the big race on April 5.
“It would be quite nice if the rain started to come – everywhere is watering at the moment and places are getting good to firm in the going description,” Bromley said.
“That wouldn’t be ideal, but we can rely on Aintree to keep it on the softer side of good. Intense Raffles loves soft ground.
“Tom’s very happy with the way he’s come out of the Bobbyjo Chase. If the British handicapper reassessed the race now, he’d certainly have him six pounds or so higher, so we’re in a good place.”
Gold Cup winner is heading to Punchestown
Inothewayurthinkin will not attempt to become just the second horse to win the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same season.
He looked thrown in at the weights after defeating two-time Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs at Cheltenham and was well-backed to follow up at Aintree.
Golden Miller famously completed the big-race double in 1934, but trainer Gavin Cromwell has decided to resist the temptation to run him at Aintree.
Cromwell consulted with owner JP McManus before withdrawing the horse and will probably prepare him for a tilt at the Punchestown Gold Cup on April 30.
“He’s only a seven-year-old and we’ve worked hard on his jumping this season, and his jumping has improved an awful lot,” Cromwell said.
“We think it’s the right thing to do. It’s all about doing the right thing for the horse. Punchestown is an option, but it’s certainly not for definite. He’s come out of the race at Cheltenham well.”
O’Neill Jr aiming to add to his Cheltenham successes
Jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr is hoping another horse owned by McManus can help him enjoy more success following a memorable 24 hours at Cheltenham.
O’Neill rode Jagwar to victory in the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase on day three of the meeting, before following up aboard Poniros in the Triumph Hurdle on the final day.
The second success scuppered a plethora of horse racing tips on more fancied contenders, as the Willie Mullins-trained 100/1 powered past his rivals on the run-in.
The first win on Jagwar was in McManus’ famous green and gold silks, and O’Neill will be wearing them again when he rides second favourite Iroko in the Grand National.
The seven-year-old produced an eye-catching performance when finishing second behind Grey Dawning in Kelso‘s Premier Chase in early March.
O’Neill believes Iroko will be well suited by the step up in trip at Aintree and is eager to add his name to the National roll of honour.
“The race has opened up a little bit, but I do think it’s an extremely competitive Grand National,” said O’Neill Jr.
“He’s got a lovely weight and I was happy with his run at Kelso. It does seem that he wants the extended trip and I know you don’t know until you try whether he will stay or not.
“But he has given me every impression that he will stay really well – I just think a race like the National could really suit him.”
Grand National 2025 – latest betting
- Intense Raffles – 7/1
- Iroko – 8/1
- I Am Maximus – 8/1
- Stumptown – 10/1
- Vanillier -12/1
- Perceval Legallois – 14/1
- Nick Rockett – 16/1
- Kandoo Kid – 20/1
- Meetingofthewaters – 20/1
- Hewick – 25/1
- Hyland – 25/1
- Grangeclare West – 28/1
- Bar – 33/1
