Key Runners Confirmed for Irish Grand National

Preparations continue for the Easter festival 2025, the BoyleSports Irish Grand National, and several major contenders remain in the running after the latest confirmation stage. A total of 49 horses are still in the mix for Monday’s 500,000 feature at Fairyhouse racecourse, with strong representation from both Irish Grand National and British stables.

Among the British entries, Haiti Couleurs and Johnnywho are two of the standout names. Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis, won the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last month and has been kept fresh for this event. Johnnywho, who finished second in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup, continues to show consistent form and is joined by stablemate Hasthing, who is just outside the guaranteed runners and will depend on withdrawals to make the final line-up.

On the Irish Grand National, Gordon Elliott has kept 11 horses in contention, with Better Days Ahead now heading the weights. His list also includes Favori De Champdou and Shecouldbeanything, offering depth and flexibility depending on ground conditions and final declarations.

The Irish Grand National is shaping up to be one of the headline events of the Easter Festival 2025, with several well-known trainers still in the mix. Gavin Cromwell remains strongly represented, with Now Is The Hour leading his team of eight entries. Malina Girl and Bioluminescence also remain under his guidance, giving him a real chance of adding the Irish Grand National to his record this season.

Willie Mullins, a two-time winner of the race, has trimmed his team to four, with High Class Hero looking like a key figure among them. Quai De Bourbon is another name to watch from his yard, which has a long track record of preparing top-level staying chasers. His entries add extra weight to an already competitive field expected over the Easter Festival 2025 weekend.

Tom Gibney, who trained last year’s winner, is back with Kinturk Kalanisi, aiming for a repeat performance. Paul Nolan’s Daily Present, who recently edged out Johnnywho at Cheltenham, also remains a notable contender. Nolan will be hoping for further progress when they line up on Monday in the Irish Grand National.

There’s also interest around Dunboyne, now with Ian Donoghue, having picked up back-to-back wins, including the Ulster National. Bushmans Pass, trained by Oliver McKiernan, also has a case, especially with a low weight and a strong effort in the Leinster National behind him. If ground conditions shift, this could turn into an advantage.

All signs point toward a competitive renewal of the Irish Grand National, a key feature of the Easter Festival 2025, with many hoping their preparation pays off on the big day.

2022 winner Lord Lariat is also in the list and will represent local trainer Dermot McLoughlin again. Another familiar name is Any Second Now, trained by Ted Walsh. The 12-year-old veteran has been a regular in staying handicap chases and adds a level of experience to the lineup.

With final declarations due by 10 am on Saturday, connections will be keeping a close eye on the ground and weather. According to Peter Roe, General Manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse, the recent weather should make for fair going.

“We’ve had over 20mm of rain in the past 24 hours, following only 4mm in total since March 24. The ground is now yielding,” said Roe. “More rain is expected over the next couple of days, and conditions should suit the majority of runners. The forecast is also looking more stable as we head into Monday.”

The Easter Festival 2025 at Fairyhouse racecourse begins on Saturday, with the BoyleSports Irish Grand National serving as the main attraction on Easter Festival 2025. The full list of current entries is available through official racing channels. The field will be finalised over the weekend, and expectations are building for another competitive running of this long-standing event.