In a significant turn of events in the world of horse racing, Inothewayurthinkin, the victorious champion of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, has been ruled out of the upcoming Grand National, a decision that foils his chance at achieving a historic double. Only one horse has managed to accomplish this feat—the legendary Golden Miller in 1934. Following his triumph at the Cheltenham Festival, this Gavin Cromwell-trained gelding quickly ascended to being the bookies’ favorite, initially listed at 3-1 to win the Grand National set for April 5.
Last Friday, March 14, 2025, Inothewayurthinkin claimed victory at Cheltenham, outpacing two-time Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs with a decisive six-length lead, under the guidance of jockey Mark Walsh. With his stunning performance, Inothewayurthinkin instantly captured the racing community's attention, leading to a surge of excitement among fans and bettors alike.
However, on March 18, Cromwell officially confirmed that Inothewayurthinkin would not compete in this year’s Grand National, citing concerns regarding the horse’s development. “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,” Cromwell stated. “We think it’s the right thing to do. It’s all about doing the right thing for the horse.” This announcement came as a disappointment to those who hoped to see the young champion tested against the rigors of Aintree, often regarded as the pinnacle of the steeplechase.
With Inothewayurthinkin now scratched from the Grand National list, the betting landscape has swiftly changed. John Hill from Coral's bookmakers indicated that this alteration has transformed the dynamics of the race. “The scratching of Inothewayurthinkin has completely changed the make-up of the Grand National betting. Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles is the new favorite, but it is now a more open betting event,” he said. Previously the clear frontrunner, many believed Inothewayurthinkin could have gone off at very short odds—possibly as low as 2-1.
As it stands, Intense Raffles has taken the lead with a current betting line of 6-1. Following his own victory in last season’s Irish Grand National, expectations are high for the seven-year-old, who has a history of strong performance under conditions similar to those expected at Aintree. Additionally, Iroko and last year’s Grand National champion I Am Maximus, both owned by JP McManus, are posed as joint second favorites, each currently at 8-1.
In all, a total of 67 horses are still eligible for the Grand National, including noteworthy absentees like Gentlemansgame, Monty’s Star, and The Real Whacker. Cromwell has mentioned there may still be an opportunity for Inothewayurthinkin to race in the Punchestown Gold Cup later this April, although he emphasized that such a decision is not yet guaranteed. “Punchestown is an option, but it’s certainly not for definite. He’s come out of the race well,” he expressed.
The decision to withdraw from the Grand National marks a rare occasion for trainers and owners, particularly for those striving for notability in the sport, as the combination of winning both the Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same season remains an elusive achievement. Cromwell's cautious but respectful approach towards Inothewayurthinkin prioritizes the horse’s growth and long-term success over the allure of immediate accolades.
As anticipation builds for the Grand National, the absence of such a potential star reaffirms the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where outcomes can dramatically shift with one decision. Fans and spectators are left to contemplate what this means for the future of Inothewayurthinkin, as well as the fate of this year’s contenders in what promises to be an exhilarating race filled with unpredictability and excitement.
As the April 5 date approaches, both the racing community and casual fans will be watching closely, not just to see who holds the title of Grand National Champion this year, but how the absence of Inothewayurthinkin influences the race's history and betting landscape. The stage is set for another chapter in the storied tradition of the Grand National, now with a more competitive and unpredictable field.
