Irish Grand National 2025: Big Names Ready to Clash at Fairyhouse
The jumps racing season in the UK and Ireland is reaching its climax, but plenty of big races remain before flat racing takes over. One of the hottest events on the horizon is the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse Racecourse, County Meath, on April 21. Punters are gearing up for a thrilling showdown as top horses and trainers gear up for glory.
While it’s rare to see horses from the English Grand National drop in at Fairyhouse, the Irish Grand National is often a strong form guide for next year’s Aintree race. Just look at I Am Maximus, who won here in 2023 before conquering Aintree in 2024. This year’s ante-post favourite, Intense Raffles, also tasted success at Fairyhouse last year.
Haiti Couleurs: The British Threat
Trainer Rebecca Curtis has a serious contender in Haiti Couleurs. This eight-year-old has stormed five races this season, winning three. The standout performance came at the Cheltenham Festival, where Haiti Couleurs powered past Rock My World by over four lengths in the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase.
The race distance at Cheltenham closely matches the Irish Grand National, which is shorter than the Aintree route. This could give Haiti Couleurs a serious edge if Curtis decides to run him at Fairyhouse. Notably, British horses haven’t won the Irish Grand National since 1997, so a victory would be historic.
Now Is The Hour: Ireland’s Hope
On home turf, the main rival is Now Is The Hour, trained by the hot-streak Gavin Cromwell. Cromwell, fresh off a Cheltenham Gold Cup win and with a strong grip on Aintree’s Grand National, eyes another big prize here.
Now Is The Hour triumphed at Fairyhouse over hurdles in January and bagged a Grade 2 victory at Haydock the following month. However, he is yet to win over fences and suffered a fall at Cheltenham’s National Hunt Challenge Cup. He showed gritty form before the tumble, narrowly missing out on second place, and his chances depend on his recovery from that scare.
Johnnywho: Consistent and Competitive
Stablemates Jonjo and AJ O’Neill bring Johnnywho to the party, a solid performer in the famous green and gold silks of JP McManus. The eight-year-old kicked off the season with a win at Carlisle and has bagged three consecutive third places at Grade 2s in Newbury, Ascot, and Windsor.
Last time out, Johnnywho was a close second in Cheltenham’s Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase, losing by just a neck. His strong finish over three miles and two furlongs hints he will relish the extra distance at Fairyhouse. Plus, Jonjo O’Neill knows how to win here—he’s landed the Irish Grand National twice before.
The Race to Watch
The 2025 Irish Grand National promises edge-of-your-seat drama with Haiti Couleurs, Now Is The Hour, and Johnnywho all vying for glory. With history on the line and big-time trainers battling it out, punters won’t want to miss this one at Fairyhouse on April 21.
Keep your eyes on the market and your bets ready as these jumpers prepare to make history!
