Who Tops the Market for the 2025 Irish Grand National?

Who Tops the Market for the 2025 Irish Grand National?

 

A look at the frontrunners ahead of Fairyhouse’s Easter Monday showpiece

The 2025 Irish Grand National takes centre stage at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday (21 April), with €500,000 in prize money up for grabs in Ireland’s most celebrated handicap over jumps.

Staged over 3 miles and 5 furlongs and featuring 24 fences, the contest is a true examination of both stamina and jumping ability. Surprises are not uncommon — the 2021 renewal famously saw Freewheelin Dylan win at odds of 150/1.

This year’s race looks another fiercely competitive edition. Cheltenham scorer Haiti Couleurs currently leads the market from the British contingent, while strong Irish challenges come from the likes of Now Is The Hour and Johnnywho.

Irish-trained runners have held the upper hand in recent memory, claiming victory in every renewal since 2014. The question this year: can Haiti Couleurs, the ante-post favourite, bring that remarkable streak to an end?

 

Favourite for 2025: Haiti Couleurs

Currently topping the betting for this year’s Irish Grand National is Haiti Couleurs, who is available at a best price of 6/1 with leading betting operator Ladbrokes. His credentials were strengthened by an emphatic victory over 3m6f at Cheltenham, marking him out as a stayer of real promise.

Trained by Rebecca Curtis, the eight-year-old possesses a strong record in extended-distance chases and typically sets the tempo with a positive, front-running approach — a strategy that could be tailor-made for Fairyhouse.

While history hasn’t been kind to either British-trained runners or market leaders in this race, Haiti Couleurs aligns with many of the trends that often prove key: age, weight, and recent form. If he can navigate the challenges of a crowded field, he’s a prime candidate to make his mark.

 

Strong Irish Hope: Now Is The Hour

Challenging for favouritism is Now Is The Hour, who is priced at 8/1 to finish first past the post. The Gavin Cromwell-trained novice made a big impression in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham before coming to grief late on, though the run firmly demonstrated his staying power.

His earlier performance in a Grade 2 hurdle at Haydock, which he won by a commanding 17 lengths, further illustrates his class and ability.

Being trained in Ireland certainly boosts his appeal, considering the recent dominance of home-trained contenders in this event. Provided he stays on his feet, he’s expected to feature prominently.

 

Each-Way Angle: Johnnywho

One horse attracting each-way interest is Johnnywho, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and racing in the colours of J.P. McManus. Priced at 10/1 with Boylesports, the eight-year-old enhanced his profile with a runner-up finish in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival.

That effort underlined both his stamina and competitive spirit in a big-field handicap — traits essential for success at Fairyhouse.

Though he has just a single chase win on his CV, his reliable form in handicaps and proven ability to stay the trip make him a genuine player in Monday’s feature race.