Gavin Cromwell's star chaser, Inothewayurthinkin, who recently celebrated a stunning victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, will not be competing in the upcoming Grand National. The decision, confirmed on March 18, 2025, comes as a disappointment for the connections and fans alike, as Inothewayurthinkin had emerged as a 3-1 favorite for the prestigious race following his impressive Gold Cup win by six lengths.
The County Meath trainer, Cromwell, candidly explained the reasoning behind scratching the seven-year-old horse from the Grand National field. "It wasn't a very difficult decision. He's only a seven-year-old, he's just won a Gold Cup, we've worked very hard on his jumping this season. I think it's the right thing to do," Cromwell shared in a recent interview. He emphasized the importance of valuing the horse’s long-term potential over immediate glory, highlighting the improvements made in Inothewayurthinkin's jumping technique this season.
Despite the potential for a remarkable achievement—becoming only the second horse after Golden Miller in 1934 to secure both the Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same season—the decision to withdraw was made with the horse's best interest in mind. Cromwell stated, "It's tempting being so well in in the handicap, but we'll do the right thing." He explained that while it is certainly appealing to chase the glory at Aintree, the welfare of the horse takes precedence.
Looking ahead, there are still opportunities for Inothewayurthinkin to shine this season, with the Punchestown Festival looming on the horizon, where he could compete in another Gold Cup. Cromwell is optimistic about the future, stating that they will gauge Inothewayurthinkin's condition over the next few weeks before making further decisions on his race plans.
The absence of Inothewayurthinkin leaves a competitive void in the Grand National field, which remains star-studded, particularly with the defending champion I Am Maximus still in contention. I Am Maximus, also owned by the prominent JP McManus, will carry top weight of 11st 12lb and is going for a repeat performance in the iconic race. Cromwell himself continues to have a solid lineup of horses aiming for the Aintree showpiece, including Stumptown and Vanillier, both of whom showed promise in previous races.
Stumptown emerged as a strong contender at best-priced 12-1 according to several bookmakers, while Vanillier, who was the runner-up in last year's Grand National, is currently 16-1. With Cromwell’s horses gearing up, optimism remains prevalent within his camp as they prepare for the race.
As the excitement builds for the Grand National, leading bookmakers have responded with updated odds. Intense Raffles has taken the helm as the new favourite at 7-1, indicating the high stakes and competitive nature of this year’s race. Cromwell, affirming his role as one of the key players in the upcoming event, remains determined to make the most of the opportunities his horses have ahead.
With 34 Irish entries currently set for the race and the return of a reserves system, excitement continues to build as the Grand National approaches. Simon Munir and Isaac Souede's Iroko is another contender generating buzz, currently priced at 8-1. Moreover, the competition includes familiar names like Kandoo Kid and Bravemansgame, maintaining the thrilling atmosphere associated with the event.
Cromwell's decision not to run Inothewayurthinkin highlights the balance between ambition and responsibility in horse racing. As the horses prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating race day, Cromwell’s insight into their preparation and the factors influencing decisions reflect broader considerations within this sport.
As Cromwell prepares for Aintree, he expressed how proud he was of his team's efforts during the Cheltenham Festival. “Before the Gold Cup, we’d had one winner, five seconds and three thirds with some very near misses. It was looking like it might have been a frustrating week, but winning the Gold Cup makes up for all those near misses.” Celebrating the victories and learning from the losses together, the team remains hopeful for what’s next.
In conclusion, while the absence of Inothewayurthinkin in the Grand National is a notable loss, it opens the door for a promising season ahead for Cromwell’s remaining horses. Each competitor is preparing to write their own chapter in the storied tradition of the Grand National, ensuring the event remains a significant highlight in the horse racing calendar.
