In a stunning display of equine courage and determination, Inothewayurthinkin, the newly crowned Cheltenham Gold Cup champion, wowed crowds with a hero's welcome during his homecoming parade in sunny County Meath on March 18, 2025. Just days after his remarkable victory on March 15, where he triumphed by six lengths over dual winner Galopin Des Champs, this seven-year-old gelding captured the hearts of racing fans and locals alike.
The atmosphere at the Skryne Gaelic Football Club was electric, with approximately a thousand supporters coming out to celebrate Inothewayurthinkin’s historic win. The gelding, owned by JP McManus and trained by Gavin Cromwell, began his parade at Cromwell’s yard before parading through the football pitch, where fans of all ages were eager to meet him and his groom Caoimhe O'Brien. Excited young fans, as well as GAA legends like Colm O’Rourke and Trevor Giles, gathered to cheer for their hometown hero.
Despite the overwhelming cheers and support following his triumph, trainer Gavin Cromwell took the opportunity to announce that Inothewayurthinkin will not be competing in the upcoming Grand National at Aintree, scheduled for April 5, 2025. "We've decided to take Inothewayurthinkin out of the Grand National. He's only seven and we've worked so hard on his jumping this season that we feel it just might be a backward step to run him at Aintree," Cromwell told The Racing Post. "I’m very happy with the decision not to go there." This contemplative approach reflects a growing trend among trainers focusing on the long-term potential of their horses, especially when weighing the physical toll of prestigious races like the Grand National against future competition.
This decision not only signifies the realistic expectations surrounding the young horse but also aligns with plans for the Punchestown Gold Cup just three weeks later, which Cromwell has expressed as a target instead. "It’s a possibility, but far from definite. We’ll see how the next few weeks go and make our decision then," Cromwell added, suggesting a prudent management strategy rather than subjecting the horse to back-to-back challenging races.
Before his Gold Cup win, Inothewayurthinkin faced a challenging season where he was beaten by Galopin Des Champs in two consecutive races at Leopardstown. With resilience and expert training, his initial struggles led to Cromwell feeling optimistic about his potential. "For quite a while, I felt he was a horse who could make up into a Gold Cup horse," Cromwell reflected. "It all depended on what way the year developed and thankfully it went the right way." His eventual success required a strategic decision, including a £25,000 supplementary entry fee to secure his spot in the prestigious race, a gamble that paid off immensely.
The homecoming festivities not only celebrated Inothewayurthinkin's achievements but also highlighted Cromwell’s evolving legacy as a trainer. Known for past successes, including a Champion Hurdle victory, Cromwell encapsulated the emotions of the day: "They were massive days, but there is only one Gold Cup and it’s unbelievable to win it," he said, positioning this triumph as the pinnacle of his career.
Yet, with the Grand National looming, Cromwell still prepares optimism for the race, having other contenders like Stumptown, Vanillier, and Perceval Legallois entered to challenge in Aintree. "We’re in a good place and I don’t think it would be the right thing to do to go to the Grand National and potentially unravel that," Cromwell reflected, showcasing his dedication to ensuring a balanced and successful racing year.
Reflecting on the event, reports from the day revealed contrasts in emotions; while riders like Mark Walsh expressed relief and triumph after hurdle challenges earlier in the week, Cromwell’s family, including his young son Jake, embodied the joy and excitement surrounding their illustrious horse. "He was good. He was sitting on Galopin Des Champs's heels the whole way," Jake shared with pride, recalling their exuberance as they celebrated together.
The atmosphere at the homecoming showcased the deep connections within the sport — not only between horses and their trainers but also the communities that rally around them. With memories being created on that sunlit day at Skryne, the legacy of Inothewayurthinkin as a champion springs into life, celebrated by friends, family, and future generations of racing fans.
As the anticipation builds for upcoming races at Punchestown, Cromwell’s focus shifts to nurturing the next chapter of Inothewayurthinkin’s career while looking to secure further victories for his team's additional runners in Aintree. Cromwell, now recognized as one of Ireland's promising trainers, may soon share the winner's enclosure once again, adding to his remarkable journey through the exhilarating world of horse racing.
The thrilling tales from Cheltenham, coupled with the heartfelt support from the local community, not only mark a noteworthy victory for Inothewayurthinkin but also reflect on the vibrant spirit of an industry deeply entrenched in tradition, courage, and exhilaration at every turn.
