Inothewayurthinkin, the winner of the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup, will not compete in the upcoming Grand National at Aintree, as confirmed by his trainer Gavin Cromwell on March 18, 2025. This decision follows the gelding's impressive victory in the Gold Cup on March 14, 2025, where he triumphed over heavy favorite Galopin Des Champs, who was aiming for a historic third successive win in the event.
After the victory, Cromwell and owner JP McManus assessed the situation and ultimately decided to prioritize the horse's development and health by skipping the Grand National race scheduled for April 5. Cromwell expressed his reasoning, stating, "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," in an interview with The Racing Post.
The decision to withdraw Inothewayurthinkin from the Grand National came as the latest entry period for the race closed on March 18 at noon, with the horse's name officially scratched from the list. In total, 11 potential competitors were also withdrawn from the contest, leaving 67 horses as possible entries for the prestigious event.
As a rising star in the racing scene, Inothewayurthinkin's Gold Cup win has positioned him as a strong contender for future races. Cromwell noted, "We're absolutely delighted to win a Gold Cup and it might be asking a bit much of him to try to win a Grand National as well at the age of seven." The trainer confirmed that the horse came out of the Gold Cup in excellent condition and has the option to run in the Punchestown Gold Cup later in April, suggesting a focus on long-term success for the young gelding.
The implications of this decision shift the dynamics of the Grand National as well. Following Inothewayurthinkin’s dropout, Intense Raffles has emerged as the new favorite at 6-1, building upon his impressive performance at the Irish Grand National, where he finished strong under jockey JJ Slevin. With McManus also having contenders such as Iroko at 7-1 and reigning champion I Am Maximus at 8-1, the competition remains fierce.
The Grand National's next key date is March 31, 2025, when further updates will be provided, leading into the final declarations on April 3, two days before the race. This event remains one of the most celebrated in the racing calendar, drawing huge crowds and showcasing some of the finest thoroughbreds in the sport.
In summary, while the decision to withdraw Inothewayurthinkin from the Grand National may come as a surprise to some, it is a strategic move by Cromwell and McManus, centered around nurturing the horse's potential and focusing on future successes at events like the Punchestown Gold Cup. The thrilling competition of the Grand National will undoubtedly continue, with the racing world eagerly anticipating the final lineup and the unfolding of this year's exhilarating race.
