Three trainers in with a chance of winning the Grand National for the first time
The Grand National, a gruelling test of stamina, skill and sheer determination for both horse and rider, is the crown jewel in National Hunt racing.
While modern-day trainers such as Gordon Elliott, Willie Mullins, Paul Nicholls and Henry de Bromhead have etched their names in Aintree folklore, there is still an array of handlers looking to land their first victory in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
With a fresh crop of Grand National runners set to take on the iconic Aintree fences, three trainers in particular stand out as having a genuine chance of breaking their duck this year. Here, we take a closer look at their hopes and what makes them strong contenders to join the roll of honour.
Gavin Cromwell
Gavin Cromwell has been on a quest to win the Grand National for the last couple of years now, and the Irish trainer went agonisingly close when valiant grey Vanillier finished runner-up to the Lucinda Russell-trained Corach Rambler in 2023.
Last year, Limerick Lace went off as the joint-favourite alongside eventual winner I Am Maximus, but she could fare no better than 10th — she was badly hampered at the Canal Turn and made a bad mistake three out.
At the time of writing, Cromwell has eight entries in the 2025 renewal, with Inothewayurthinkin well-backed into favouritism at 7/1 after the weights were revealed last month. However, the trainer refused to reveal that the National is definitely the target.
Thomas Gibney
Thomas Gibney might not be as well-known throughout the jumps racing world as some of his Irish counterparts, but the County Meath-based trainer has won the Irish Grand National twice since 2012 and has his sights firmly set on the Aintree showpiece.
Despite having a small yard with roughly 20 horses, Gibney has a monumental chance to throw himself into the spotlight with this year’s second-favourite Intense Rivals—who’s heading to Merseyside as the defending Irish Grand National champion.
Bought by high-profile owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede from France in November 2023, the stunning grey gelding made an instant impact for Gibney with three straight wins at Fairyhouse—including that aforementioned National triumph last April.
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Former amateur jockeys Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have been climbing up the ranks since taking out a joint licence at Stockton Hill Farm in Cheshire a couple of years ago—and when someone like JP McManus entrusts in you with one of his horses, that says a lot about your ability.
The Irish billionaire is hoping to become the most successful owner in Grand National history this year with a record-breaking fourth success, and Iroko has a fantastic chance as one of four horses representing McManus in the top six of the market.
Beaten by Inothewayurthinkin in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at this course last year, Iroko is yet to open his account in four outings this season, but two seconds in the Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase on reappearance and to Grey Dawning at Kelso earlier this month are promising signs.
