The excitement is building as the 2025 Irish Grand National approaches, set to take place on Monday, April 21, at 5 PM at Fairyhouse Racecourse. This year’s event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring a host of top competitors and significant betting opportunities for fans and punters alike.
With an impressive prize pool of €500,000, the Irish Grand National is the richest jumps race in Ireland and is part of the three-day Easter Festival. However, the event has already faced some challenges, including heavy rains that forced the cancellation of the opening day of the meeting on Saturday, April 19. The track was rendered waterlogged after 21mm of rain fell overnight, leading to concerns about the condition of the ground for Sunday’s Grade 1 card, which features the prestigious WillowWarm Gold Cup and the Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle.
Peter Roe, the general manager of Fairyhouse, expressed optimism about the situation, stating, "The ground where there is no surface water is soft to heavy. It's just the surface water on top that's causing the issue. We’ve had 30mm in the last 24 hours and over 50mm in the last 48. If the rain stops, we should be okay for Sunday’s races." He also noted that demand for tickets has been high, with an expected attendance of 16,500 for the Grand National, a figure that approaches the venue's comfortable capacity.
Among the favorites for the Irish Grand National is Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis, who comes into the race with a general odds of 6/1. Curtis is optimistic about her horse’s chances, saying, "He seems in really good form, healthy and well. So, we’re very excited to be bringing him over to Ireland. I couldn’t be happier with the horse." Haiti Couleurs is fresh off a victory at the Cheltenham Festival, which adds to the anticipation surrounding his performance.
Mark Walsh, a prominent jockey, has chosen to ride Any Second Now, a 13-year-old outsider who finished runner-up in last year's Grand National. Walsh, who recently won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Inothewayurthinkin, believes Any Second Now still has what it takes to compete at a high level. "He’s certainly not gone. He’s in great nick and I think he’ll run a big race. He’s as good as he was this time last year," Walsh stated. Any Second Now is currently listed as a 20-1 chance, aiming to become the first 13-year-old to win the race since Overshadow in 1953.
Another horse to watch is Jonnywho, currently among the favorites at 10/1 with bet365. Jonnywho has showcased impressive form, finishing no lower than third in his last five races, including a second-place finish in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at Cheltenham. His stamina seems promising for the longer distance of the Irish Grand National, making him a solid pick for those placing bets.
Betting offers for the Irish Grand National are plentiful, with various bookmakers providing enticing promotions to attract punters. Spreadex is offering a promotion where customers can bet £10 and receive £60 in free bets, while bet365 has a deal for a £10 bet yielding £30 in free bets. Paddy Power has an offer for new customers to bet £5 and receive £30 in free bets, and Sky Bet is providing a unique offer of betting just 5p to receive £40 in free bets. Other bookmakers like BetMGM and Betfred are also providing competitive offers, ensuring that fans have multiple options to enhance their betting experience.
As the race day approaches, the atmosphere at Fairyhouse is charged with anticipation. The weather will play a crucial role, with ground conditions expected to be soft, which could favor certain runners. The final declarations for the Grand National will occur on Saturday morning, and with a maximum field of 30 runners expected, the competition will be fierce.
Willie Mullins, a leading trainer in the sport, is also preparing for a strong showing over the weekend. He has several runners entered for the Grand National and is looking to add to his impressive record. Mullins is currently trailing Dan Skelton in the British trainers' championship by £37,524, and he has his eyes set on reclaiming the title with a series of strong performances this weekend.
With the backdrop of the Easter Festival, the Irish Grand National is not just a race; it's a celebration of the sport, drawing in fans from across the country. The event is steeped in tradition and has a rich history, making it a highlight of the racing calendar. As the horses prepare to take their positions and the crowd gathers, the excitement is palpable. Who will emerge victorious this year? Only time will tell as the horses thunder down the track at Fairyhouse.
Fans and bettors alike will be glued to their screens as the action unfolds. Whether you’re backing a favorite or taking a chance on an outsider, the Irish Grand National promises to deliver drama, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. With the race just around the corner, now is the time to get your bets in and join in on the excitement.
