Inothewayurthinkin, the impressive winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, will not compete in next month’s Grand National at Aintree, a decision announced on March 18, 2025, by trainer Gavin Cromwell. This marks a significant moment in steeplechasing history, as Inothewayurthinkin was poised to be only the second horse to achieve the illustrious double of winning both the Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same year since Golden Miller accomplished this feat in 1934.
The seven-year-old gelding emerged victorious at Prestbury Park on March 14, 2025, with a six-length triumph over Galopin Des Champs, a two-time Gold Cup champion, further solidifying his reputation among racing enthusiasts. Post-race, Inothewayurthinkin was quickly established as a strong favourite for Aintree, initially valued at 3-1, with bookmakers confident that his talent and recent form would translate well into the Grand National.
However, speaking to reporters, Cromwell explained the rationale behind this critical decision, stating, “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. We think it’s the right thing to do. It’s all about doing the right thing for the horse.” Cromwell's emphasis on the horse’s well-being reflects a growing concern among trainers and owners regarding the physical demands placed on young horses in highly competitive racing environments.
With Aintree now off the table, Cromwell hinted at the possibility of a run in the upcoming Punchestown Gold Cup, held later in April. “Punchestown is an option, but it’s certainly not for definite,” Cromwell added, indicating that the team would continue to assess Inothewayurthinkin’s condition before making any further commitments. “He’s come out of the race well,” he remarked, illustrating readiness while maintaining a cautious approach to future races.
This decision joins a slew of other notable withdrawals ahead of the Grand National. Among those removed from the race are Gentlemansgame, Monty's Star, and The Real Whacker—each of whom faced their challenges post-Cheltenham. The total withdrawal of horses now leaves 67 contenders vying for the chance to compete in this iconic race, scheduled for April 5, 2025.
In the wake of Cromwell’s announcement, the betting landscape for the Grand National has shifted considerably. Intense Raffles, last season's Irish Grand National winner, has emerged as the new 6-1 favourite in place of Inothewayurthinkin, reflecting the new dynamics of the betting market. Coral's John Hill stated that the absence of Inothewayurthinkin has "completely changed the make-up of the Grand National betting," indicating how crucial the horse's participation had been expected to be.
"Inothewayurthinkin would have gone off a very short-priced favourite, possibly as short as 2-1, but it’s now hard to predict what will start as favourite, with Iroko and I Am Maximus also in the frame to top the betting on the day," Hill continued, underscoring the fluctuating nature of competitive horse racing.
JP McManus, the owner of Inothewayurthinkin, still boasts a formidable presence in the Grand National with two other notable entries, Iroko and the defending champion I Am Maximus, both at 8-1 joint second-favourites. This wisdom in managing Inothewayurthinkin’s career reflects a growing sentiment in the equestrian community about safeguarding the longevity and health of horses in the high-stakes world of racing.
The decision to withdraw Inothewayurthinkin underlines a broader shift in the racing world, where trainers are increasingly cautious about the commitments they make for young horses. Racing enthusiasts and stakeholders continue to discuss whether this reflects a change in attitude towards the risks associated with racing or whether it’s merely a reflection of the evolution of training techniques.
As the Grand National approaches, the absence of a clear favourite may add an extra layer of excitement to the race, creating a notably competitive atmosphere. With spectating and betting at play, punters are looking forward to a tightly contested match-up on the first weekend of April.
With each passing moment, the legacy of Inothewayurthinkin remains solidified among the greats of the sport. His historic win at the Cheltenham Gold Cup signifies not just the triumph of a singular event but the continued evolution of horse racing. As racing fans await the Grand National, eyes will remain fixed on the other competitors in the field, as a new chapter unfolds in this storied sport.
