Your Runner-by-Runner Guide to the 2025 Irish Grand National
Full Field Preview: Your Runner-by-Runner Guide to the 2025 Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse
As the jumps season reaches its final furlong, all eyes turn to Fairyhouse for the €500,000 BoyleSports Irish Grand National — Ireland’s richest and most prestigious handicap chase.
With a maximum field of 30 allowed and a few notable withdrawals at the confirmation stage, we now have a clearer view of who’s likely to take their chance on Easter Monday. Below is your full guide to the top 40 contenders, from fancied favourites to plucky outsiders — and everything in between.
🏇 Haiti Couleurs – 8yo – 10st 0lb
Trainer: Rebecca Curtis | Rating: 141 | Odds: 6/1
Form: -21131 | Jockey: TBC
Cheltenham hero Haiti Couleurs arrives on a roll, having galloped his rivals into submission in the National Hunt Chase. Still unexposed and built for stamina. A 7lb rise is hardly a disaster — he looks to have more gears to show.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Now Is The Hour – 8yo – 10st 0lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 141 | Odds: 8/1
Form: 2-654F | Jockey: TBC
Fell two out when going well behind Haiti Couleurs at Cheltenham. Looks the part, but you might want to keep an eye on his jumping before investing too heavily.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 High Class Hero – 8yo – 10st 7lb
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Rating: 148 | Odds: 10/1
Form: P2-212 | Jockey: TBC
Solid, but hardly dazzling. Beaten at odds-on last time and has questions to answer at this trip. Mullins magic required.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Johnnywho – 8yo – 10st 5lb
Trainer: Jonjo & A J O’Neill | Rating: 146 | Odds: 10/1
Form: -13332 | Jockey: TBC
Looked all over the winner in the Kim Muir… until he didn’t. Travelled like a dream, finished like a flat tyre.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Better Days Ahead – 7yo – 10st 13lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 154 | Odds: 12/1
Form: 3-1213 | Jockey: TBC
Smart staying novice with big-race form. The weight is a worry, though — he’ll need to lug top-weight over every one of those 24 fences.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Daily Present – 8yo – 9st 10lb
Trainer: Paul Nolan | Rating: 137 | Odds: 12/1
Form: 5P-331 | Jockey: TBC
Got the better of Johnnywho at Cheltenham but faces a turnaround at the weights. Each-way shout if he finds a bit more.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Canal End – 7yo – 9st 2lb
Trainer: Peter Fahey | Rating: 129 | Odds: 14/1
Form: 575821 | Jockey: TBC
Featherweight contender who flew home over 3m recently. Looks like he’s been aimed at this all year. A potential dark horse.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Kinturk Kalanisi – 7yo – 9st 8lb
Trainer: Thomas Gibney | Rating: 135 | Odds: 16/1
Form: 3-322U | Jockey: TBC
Was going very nicely before unseating in the Leinster National. Has a touch of class and this longer trip might suit perfectly.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Malina Girl – 8yo – 10st 1lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 142 | Odds: 20/1
Form: 54-323 | Jockey: TBC
Tough as old boots but might have shown us her best already. Solid, not spectacular.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Quai De Bourbon – 6yo – 10st 7lb
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Rating: 148 | Odds: 20/1
Form: 1-31UB | Jockey: TBC
Only six and full of potential. Going great guns at Aintree before being brought down. Could be anything.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Any Second Now – 13yo – 9st 12lb
Trainer: Ted Walsh | Rating: 139 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 672-45 | Jockey: TBC
Second in this last year, but now 13 and asking for a swansong seems optimistic. One for the nostalgia bet.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Bioluminescence – 7yo – 10st 4lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 145 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 1P-122 | Jockey: TBC
Has done little wrong and her slick jumping is a real asset. May just relish the trip.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Bushmans Pass – 9yo – 9st 6lb
Trainer: Oliver McKiernan | Rating: 133 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 31-5P1 | Jockey: TBC
Has a recent win under his belt but looks vulnerable in this class.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Favori De Champdou – 10yo – 10st 2lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 143 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 1-8331 | Jockey: TBC
Reliable if not flashy. Solid in staying chases and a place isn’t out of reach.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Mint Boy – 7yo, 9st 10lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating:137 | Odds: 25/1
Form: -3703U | Jockey: TBC
Still a work in progress and hasn’t quite shown enough to suggest he belongs in a race of this magnitude—at least not yet. The raw ability might be there, but he’s likely to need a bit more seasoning before mixing it with the big boys.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Panda Boy – 9yo, 10st 1lb
Trainer: Martin Brassil | Rating: 142 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 40-703 | Jockey: TBC
The phrase “always the bridesmaid” springs to mind. Often touted as one to land a big pot, but time and again he’s failed to deliver. Plenty of talent, but not exactly a fan of converting potential into results.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Sa Majeste – 7yo, 9st 13lb
Trainer: Willie Mullins | Rating: 140 | Odds: 25/1
Form: -21513 | Jockey: TBC
Consistent without being spectacular, and didn’t quite stay on in the Kim Muir. This flatter track might help matters, but he looks one of Mullins’ supporting cast rather than a headline act.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Will Do – 8yo, 9st 4lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 131 | Odds: 25/1
Form: 325623 | Jockey: TBC
Still searching for a first win over fences, but he’s knocking on the door. Ran a fine third behind Haiti Couleurs at Cheltenham, and if he’s come out of that well, he’s not without a squeak.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Duffle Coat – 8yo, 10st 3lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 144 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 52P4BU | Jockey: TBC
Brutally unlucky at Cheltenham and Aintree, falling foul of others’ mistakes. Hasn’t had a clean run in a while, but the ability is there if he can stay on his feet and avoid chaos. A bit of a leap of faith, but one worth considering.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Dunboyne – 10yo, 9st 8lb
Trainer: Ian Patrick Donoghue | Rating: 135 | Odds: 33/1
Form: PP-P11 | Jockey: TBC
One of the season’s comeback stories. Now thriving under new connections, with two wins including a gutsy Ulster National success. He’s got momentum, and that counts for plenty.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Hasthing – 8yo, 9st 5lb
Trainer: Jonjo & A J O’Neill | Rating: 132 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 4114FB | Jockey: TBC
A couple of spills have dented his progress, but there’s a useful stayer in there. If he’s regained his confidence, there’s no reason he can’t run into a place.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Noble Birth – 8yo, 9st 5lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 132 | Odds: 33/1
Form: -27331 | Jockey: TBC
Finally managed to get his head in front last time out, but this is a steep rise in class. A great name, but it’ll take a noble effort just to get involved here.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Search For Glory – 8yo, 10st 2lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 143 | Odds: 33/1
Form: -12307 | Jockey: TBC
Looked like one to follow earlier in the season but form has tailed off quite alarmingly. The early promise is still there somewhere, though confidence in a revival is low.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Sequestered – 7yo, 10st 2lb
Trainer: Paul John Gilligan | Rating: 143 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 844120 | Jockey: TBC
Failed to fire in the Ultima and might just be anchored by his current mark. Likely to find this company a bit too lively.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Val Dancer – 8yo, 9st 4lb
Trainer: Mel Rowley | Rating: 131 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 33-113 | Jockey: TBC
A Welsh National hero who thrives in a slog, and if the heavens open, his chance improves markedly. A bold front-runner who could give backers a run for their money if conditions suit.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Yeah Man – 8yo, 10st 1lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 142 | Odds: 33/1
Form: 9-34U9 | Jockey: TBC
Landed a decent prize at Haydock last term, but things haven’t really gone his way since. Mark looks harsh and he’s hard to fancy on current form.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Another Choice – 8yo, 9st 5lb
Trainer: Matthew Smith | Rating: 132 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 744292 | Jockey: TBC
Not without ability and has been knocking on the door. Could be a live outsider for place money, especially given his liking for Fairyhouse.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Final Orders – 9yo, 9st 8lb
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Rating: 132 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 700632 | Jockey: TBC
Hinted at a revival in the Ulster National, but it’s hard to get too excited based on the season as a whole. One for the optimistic.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Fortunedefortunata – 8yo, 9st 1lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 128 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 502015 | Jockey: TBC
Capable on his day and showed a bit of fire in the Punchestown National Trial. If that version turns up, he could give punters a surprise.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Lord Lariat – 10yo, 9st 11lb
Trainer: Dermot A McLoughlin | Rating: 138 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 467/4P | Jockey: TBC
Won this back in 2022 and returns for another go. Hasn’t offered much lately, but Fairyhouse clearly suits him and a revival wouldn’t be the strangest thing we’ve seen in this race.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Monbeg Park – 8yo, 10st 8lb
Trainer: Sean Thomas Doyle | Rating: 149 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 222314 | Jockey: TBC
Has some good form on his card but can be a tricky customer. Looks high enough in the handicap and could be caught out if things get tough.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Shecouldbeanything – 8yo, 10st 0lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 141 | Odds: 50/1
Form: 111533 | Jockey: TBC
Honest mare with a good attitude, but this might just be one step too far in open company. Would be a popular winner, but she’ll need a minor miracle.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Desertmore House – 10yo, 10st 1lb
Trainer: Martin Brassil | Rating: 142 | Odds: 66/1
Form: -P4300 | Jockey: TBC
No recent form to cling to and looks firmly on the downgrade. Stranger things have happened, but they don’t happen often.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Harry Des Ongrais – 8yo, 10st 4lb
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Rating: 145 | Odds: 66/1
Form: 57/512 | Jockey: TBC
An intriguing one. Still learning the ropes but has shown promise. A bit of a shot in the dark, but could go well if improving again.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
🏇 Cleatus Poolaw – 7yo, 9st 2lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 129 | Odds: 100/1
Form: -F476P | Jockey: TBC
Still yet to threaten in any chase start. Has a name like a movie character but needs a blockbuster effort to get involved.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 History Of Fashion – 11yo, 9st 2lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 129 | Odds: 100/1
Form: -F476P | Jockey: TBC
Course and distance winner, which earns him a respectful nod. But at 11, and with patchy recent form, this could be a bridge too far.
Verdict: ⭐⭐
🏇 Macs Charm – 10yo, 9st 3lb
Trainer: Colm Murphy | Rating: 130 | Odds: 100/1
Form: 5-0987 | Jockey: TBC
Hasn’t been firing this season, and there’s no obvious reason to expect a turnaround. Might be making up the numbers.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Moonovercloon – 8yo, 9st 6lb
Trainer: Matthew Smith | Rating: 133 | Odds: 100/1
Form: 3F27U5 | Jockey: TBC
Another who’s been out of action for a while and hasn’t exactly lit up the chase scene. Would be a surprise package.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Stuzzikini – 7yo, 9st 11lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 138 | Odds: 100/1
Form: 15310P | Jockey: TBC
Was going okay in the National Hunt Chase before being pulled up. Hard to see him making waves here.
Verdict: ⭐
🏇 Tullybeg – 10yo, 9st 11lb
Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Rating: 138 | Odds: 100/1
Form: -53039 | Jockey: TBC
Winless for over a year and has regressed steadily. Not one to pin your hopes on.
Verdict: ⭐
🏆 Verdict: Who Wins the 2025 Irish Grand National?
With a bumper prize on offer, this year’s renewal has drawn an intriguing mix of class, stamina and inexperience.
Best Bet: Haiti Couleurs – ticking all the right boxes and improving fast.
Each-Way Shouts: Canal End, Quai De Bourbon, Better Days Ahead.
Longshot to Watch: Dunboyne – back in love with the game and could surprise at a price.
