Ireland has dominated the National Hunt racing world for a number of years now, especially at the major meetings.
The Irish, led by the indomitable force of Willie Mullins, often thrash the British in the Prestbury Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, and the Grand National is no exception.
The visitors have won six of the last eight renewals of the prestigious Aintree showpiece, and the Irish are set to dominate the Grand National runners 2025 once again in April.
With that said, read on as we take a look at some of Ireland’s best chances of extending their dominance in Merseyside.
I Am Maximus – 12/1
Retaining the Grand National is no easy feat, with the legendary Tiger Roll the latest of just a handful of horses to win back-to-back renewals in the race’s storied history.
However, you’d have to be brave to oppose defending champion I Am Maximus this year, given how well he won last spring.
The Mullins-trained gelding was sent off as the joint favorite but faced a little challenge when keeping on for a seven-and-a-half length win over Delta Work.
There’s no doubt that the nine-year-old is going to be tasked with a more testing mark in April, but he could defy the handicapper.
Intense Raffles – 20/1
Recruited from France by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede in 2023, Intense Raffles made an instant impression in the unmistakable ‘Double Green’ after joining County Meath handler Thomas Gibney.
Completing a hat-trick at the local track, Fairyhouse, the seven-year-old won two novice chases in convincing fashion before landing the Irish Grand National from Any Second Now.
He’s made little impression on his two outings over hurdles thus far this season, but the Grand National remains the plan, and he could come on to switch back to the larger obstacles.
Intense Raffles is currently 20/1 with Paddy Power and Betfair but as short as 14/1 with some operators, including Sky Bet.
Minella Cocooner – 25/1
Another potential runner for Mullins in this year’s renewal of the Grand National, Minella Cocooner, has already proven himself to be a stayer.
A consistent performer last season, the nine-year-old was notably four lengths behind Intense Raffles in third in the Irish Grand National and went on to win the Sandown Gold Cup afterward.
He’s run to his ability in very competitive Grade 1s at Punchestown and Leopardstown this campaign but is crying up for that step back up in trips to at least three-and-a-half miles.
The general 25/1 on offer for Minella Cocooner could make for an interesting each-way bet if the Grand National is his ultimate goal this season.
Corbetts Cross – 25/1
An incredibly versatile horse, Corbetts Cross is another potential runner who could don the iconic gold and green-hooped silks of three-time National-winning owner JP McManus.
A winner over various distances, the eight-year-old caught the eye when winning the Grade 2 National Hunt Challenge Cup by 17 lengths at the Cheltenham Festival last March.
He was a respectable third in the Aintree Bowl next time out and was second in a Listed contest at Wexford on reappearance before finishing midfield in the prestigious King George VI Chase.
Corbetts Cross’ connections have previously mentioned the Gold Cup, but it would be foolish to rule out the Grand National if he’s given a handy mark.
