The world of horse racing was sent into a spin on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as the landscape for the upcoming Grand National dramatically shifted. In an unexpected turn of events, the newly crowned Cheltenham Gold Cup champion, Inothewayurthinkin, was withdrawn from the iconic steeplechase by trainer Gavin Cromwell.
This decision immediately reshaped the betting markets, with Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles emerging as the new favourite for the Aintree spectacle.
The move has ignited fresh excitement and speculation among horse racing enthusiasts, bookmakers, and punters alike as they reassess their predictions for one of the most anticipated events in the sporting calendar.
With the Grand National set to unfold on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the withdrawal of Inothewayurthinkin has opened up the field, promising another unpredictable race.
The market flux presents an opportunity for savvy punters to seek out value in the odds. Just as in football betting, where analysing form and statistics can lead to profitable wagers, horse racing fans are now scrutinising the field for potential dark horses.
As always in the unpredictable world of the Grand National, it's worth looking beyond the favourites to find that perfect combination of form, experience, and attractive odds
Why Was Inothewayurthinkin Withdrawn?
The decision to withdraw Inothewayurthinkin came after careful consideration by trainer Gavin Cromwell and owner JP McManus.
Despite the horse's impressive victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup just days earlier, Cromwell explained that the welfare of the seven-year-old was paramount in their decision-making process.
“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.”
The reality is that this was a decision most of us could see coming as soon as the horse won the Gold Cup. This was McManus’ second Gold Cup win, the first with Synchronised in 2012, bred by his wife Noreen.
At the time, connections decided to aim for the dual win and sent him to Aintree for the Grand National. It ended in tragedy as Synchronised fell at the 6th fence and was fatally injured.
Fast forward thirteen years, and JP McManus found himself in the exact same position – a Gold Cup winner, bred by his wife Noreen McManus, with a chance at the Grand National.
The idea that he would tempt fate was beyond reason, particularly since this year, there are only 22 days between both races. This isn’t nearly enough time for a runner of this stature to recover from the exertions of a Gold Cup.
A Good Decision
It was a good decision by the McManus family and trainer Gavin Cromwell, both of whom have other viable options for winning the 2025 Grand National.
It also reflects a much more cautious approach and reflects the increasing emphasis on horse welfare in the racing industry.
That said, Inothewayurthinkin's withdrawal also dashes hopes of seeing a rare Gold Cup-Grand National double, a feat achieved only once before by Golden Miller in 1934.
While some fans may be disappointed, the decision underscores the complexities and considerations involved in preparing a horse for such a demanding race. In the world of sports betting, such unexpected withdrawals can significantly impact odds and strategies, adding another layer of excitement to the build-up to major events.
While some fans may be disappointed, the decision underscores the complexities and considerations involved in preparing a horse for such a demanding race.
The Gold Cup Runners Fall Out Of Contention
Among the other notable scratchings were Gold Cup third-placer Gentlemansgame, fourth-placed Monty's Star, and fifth-placed The Real Whacker. This reduction leaves 67 horses still in contention for the final field of 34 runners.
With Inothewayurthinkin out of the picture, the betting markets have undergone a significant reshuffle. Intense Raffles, trained by Tom Gibney, has emerged as the new favourite, with odds generally around 6-1 or 7-1.
Runners To Watch
This seven-year-old gelding has caught the attention of punters and experts alike, thanks to his impressive victory in the Irish Grand National and a strong second-place finish in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase.
Hot on the heels of Intense Raffles in the betting markets are Iroko and last year's winner, I Am Maximus, both priced around 8-1. Iroko, in particular, has been generating buzz after a promising performance in the Premier Chase at Kelso earlier this month.
I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, will be attempting to defend his title, although he faces the challenge of carrying top weight this year.
The reshuffling of the odds has created an intriguing and open field for the 2025 Grand National. This openness is reflected in the variety of horses now considered serious contenders.
Stumptown, who has just won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, is priced around 12-1 and is seen as a genuine each-way option, while Nick Rockett and Perceval Legallois, both at longer odds, are attracting attention from punters looking for value.
The Paul Nicholls-trained Kandoo Kid is another interesting prospect, with the possibility of top jockey Harry Cobden in the saddle adding to its appeal.
Despite Inothewayurthinkin's withdrawal, owner JP McManus still has a strong hand in the race. Both Iroko and I Am Maximus carry his famous green and gold silks, giving him a solid chance of claiming another Grand National victory.
This demonstrates the depth and quality of McManus's racing operation, which has been a dominant force in National Hunt racing for decades.
Unpredictable Race Dynamics
The 2025 Grand National is shaping up to be a particularly intriguing renewal, with several factors contributing to its unpredictability. The reduction in the maximum field size from 40 to 34 runners, implemented in 2024, continues to impact the race dynamics.
This change was made to enhance safety and improve the quality of the field, and it seems to be achieving its goals by attracting higher-caliber horses to the event.
Another factor adding to the excitement is the recent trend of younger horses performing well in the Grand National.
The last nine winners have all been aged nine or younger, breaking away from the traditional dominance of more experienced chasers. This trend bodes well for horses like Intense Raffles and Iroko, both of whom are seven years old.
The Grand National course itself remains a formidable challenge, with 30 fences to be jumped over a distance of about 4 miles and 2½ furlongs.
The famous fences, including Becher's Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn, continue to test the jumping ability and stamina of both horse and rider. However, in recent years, modifications have been made to the fences to improve safety while maintaining the unique character of the race.
The Countdown Begins
As the countdown to the 2025 Grand National continues, racing fans and punters will be closely watching the remaining preparation races and analysing form.
The next key date in the calendar is March 31, when the final confirmation stage takes place. This will give a clearer picture of the likely runners, although the final declaration of the 34-strong field won't happen until two days before the race, on April 3.
As we approach the big day, attention will turn to factors such as ground conditions, jockey bookings, and final preparations. The Grand National has a history of producing surprise winners and heart-stopping finishes, and the 2025 edition looks set to continue this tradition.
Whether it's the favourite Intense Raffles, a previous winner like I Am Maximus or a long-shot outsider that takes the glory, one thing is certain: the 2025 Grand National will provide another unforgettable chapter of this beloved sporting event.
