BoyleSports Irish Grand National Tips & Preview

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Fairyhouse Braces for BoyleSports Irish Grand National Under Threatening Skies

FAIRYHOUSE, Ireland – The atmosphere at Fairyhouse Racecourse is thick with anticipation as the BoyleSports Irish Grand National Chase approaches on Monday, despite increasingly ominous weather forecasts.Thirty-two horses are slated to compete in the grueling test of stamina and jumping prowess, and now 30 after two late non-runners.Rain is expected to lash the track throughout the day, possibly transforming the already demanding course into a true test of attrition.

Here’s a look at the contenders, their prospects, and what the soggy conditions could mean for the outcome:

The Contenders:

1. Better Days Ahead (Gordon Elliott/Rob James): Described as a “top-class staying novice chaser,” this runner boasts a Grade 2 Ten Up Chase victory and a credible third-place finish in the Brown Advisory Chase at Cheltenham. “The rain is a positive for him, and he could improve again for the step up to this marathon trip,” according to industry experts. While burdened by top weight, his potential remains untapped. Jockey Rob James’s 7lb claim could prove invaluable.

1. Quai De Bourbon (Willie Mullins/Paul Townend): Trainer Willie Mullins’s entry is another highly regarded novice. Untroubled by a recent run of bad luck, and still only six, he “retains lots of potential to progress as a chaser.” Stamina remains a question mark, but his perceived staying ability and the booking of Paul Townend, a leading jockey, boosts confidence.

1. Johnnywho (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill/Derek O’Connor): A consistent performer, Johnnywho comes off a near-miss in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival. Now 6lb higher in the handicap, the question is weather he can live up to the mark.

1. Bioluminescence (Gavin Cromwell/Keith Donoghue): This mare has already proven her worth with a Grade 2 victory at Limerick. “Winner of her only point-to-point, she stays well, and the ground has come in her favor,” according to analysts.

1. Harry Des Ongrais (henry de Bromhead/Rachael blackmore): Fresh off an impressive beginners’ chase win, Harry Des Ongrais looks to relish soft conditions. “It appeared as if he relished the soft ground at Gowran, it looks like the ground has come in his favor, and he could improve again for the step up to this marathon trip,” they said.

1. Duffle Coat (Gordon Elliott/Alex Harvey): Already a National winner, Duffle Coat’s chances are not high. “He was running a big race in the National hunt Chase at Cheltenham last month when he was brought down at the second last fence, but he probably could have done without the rain.”

1. Favori De Champdou (Gordon Elliott/Danny Gilligan): After falling in the Irish National last year, Favori De Champdou returns in better form. The addition of blinkers could unlock further betterment.

1. Search For Glory (Gordon Elliott/Sam Ewing): With two Grade 3 wins over three miles on heavy ground, this runner could fare well in the heavy conditions.

1. Sequestered (Paul Gilligan/Jack Gilligan): After impressive wins at Leopardstown, Sequestered will need to bounce back from a disappointing showing at Cheltanham, and prove his stamina.

1. Desertmore House (Martin Brassil/JJ Slevin): After winning The Kerry National early last season, desertmore House has not one since.

1. malina girl (Gavin Cromwell/Sean Flanagan): This mare has the experience, having won a handicap chase at Cheltenham last season over almost three and a half miles.

1. Panda Boy (Martin Brassil/Ricky Doyle): Panda Boy’s consistency in big handicap chases makes him a threat. “He could be in the grip of the handicapper now, but he ran a nice race last time to finish third in the Leinster National.”

1. Yeah Man (Gavin Cromwell/Kieren Buckley): After running well in the Haydock Grand national Trial a change of headgear from cheekpieces to blinkers could elicit some improvement

1. Haiti Couleurs (Rebecca Curtis/Sean Bowen): A Cheltenham national Hunt Chase winner, Haiti Couleurs is considered a “massive player.” The horse will race of a handicap rating of 141 here, just 6lb higher than the British mark off which he won at Cheltenham.

1. Now Is The Hour (Gavin Cromwell/Conor Stone-Walsh): Meeting the Cheltenham winner on better terms, Now Is the Hour has a touch of class and enjoys the ground.

1. Shecouldbeanything (Gordon Elliott/Jordan Gainford): After winning four straight in the autumn, Shecouldbeanything placed third at Cheltenham, however stamina remains a question mark.

1. Sa Majeste (Willie Mullins/Simon torrens): The switch back to a right-handed track is a positive, and he won his only race at Fairyhouse.

1. Any Second Now (Ted Walsh/Mark Walsh): At 13 years old, this horse remains a threat. “Second in this race last year, second in the aintree Grand National in 2022, third in the Aintree Grand National in 2021 after being badly hampered earlier in the race, you know that his trainer will have him primed for this again.” The rain is a positive, and the fact that Mark Walsh has chosen to ride him is significant.

1. Lord Lariat (Dermot McLoughlin/Paddy O’Hanlon): In 2022 Lord Lariat sprang a 40/1 shock,and missed all of last season,but returns to the track in February.

1. Stuzzikini (Gordon Elliott/Gavin brouder): The Troytown Chase winner is 7lb higher in the handicap now but, a repeat of his troytown Chase run would bring him into it.

1. Tullybeg (Gordon Elliott/Tom Harney): Non-runner

1. Daily Present (Paul Nolan/Aidan Kelly): The Kim Muir winner’s Irish handicap rating is 7lb higher than the British rating.

1. Mint Boy (Gavin Cromwell/Kevin sexton): Traveling well when he unseated his rider, Mint Boy is wholly unexposed as a staying chaser

1. Dunboyne (Ian Donoghue/Donagh Meyler): The Ulster National Winner could be a big player if he puts his mind to it

1. Final Orders (Gavin Cromwell/patrick O’brien): Proved his stamina, and goes into the race in good form.

1. Kinturk Kalanisi (Tom Gibney/Darragh O’Keeffe): The rain is a positive, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this race has been marked down as his primary target for some time by his trainer, who won the race last year with Intense Raffles and in 2012 with Lion Na Bearnai.

1. Bushmans Pass (Oliver McKiernan/Philip Enright): After winning the Leinster National,Bushmans Pass goes well on soft ground,and is one for one at Fairyhouse.

1. Moonovercloon (matthew Smith/Ben Harvey): Goes well fresh though, but has to prove his stamina for this trip, and his best form is on better ground.

1. Hasthing (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill/Brian Hayes): Non-runner

1. Noble Birth (Gavin Cromwell/Daniel King): The winner of his last race at Fairyhouse, ther is every chance that he will get this marathon trip alright.

1. Another Choice (Matthew smith/Sean O’Keeffe): Another Choice proved his stamina, but is probably going to have to improve again on that if he is going to be involved.

1. Will Do (Gordon Elliott/Harry Sexton): He stays well and he goes well on the ground.

Impact of the Rain:

The anticipated rainfall throws a significant variable into the mix. Heavy ground favors horses with proven stamina and an aptitude for navigating testing conditions. Some horses, like Better Days Ahead and Harry Des Ongrais, are expected to thrive in the slop. Others, like Duffle coat, may struggle. The ground conditions could also level the playing field, potentially giving longshots a better chance.

Pro tip: When assessing a horse’s chances in heavy ground, look beyond recent form. Consider their pedigree.Does their bloodline suggest an affinity for soft going? Also, pay attention to their running style.Horses that conserve energy early in the race frequently enough fare better in stamina-sapping conditions.

U.S. Angle:

While the Irish Grand National takes place on the other side of the Atlantic, American racing fans can still follow the action via simulcast wagering and online streaming services. The race provides a interesting contrast to steeplechase events in the U.S., showcasing different training techniques and course designs. Moreover, understanding form from international races can be valuable for American horseplayers looking to diversify their betting strategies.

Counterargument:

Some argue that the heavy ground introduces an element of luck, diminishing the importance of skill and preparation. Though, even in challenging conditions, the best-trained horses and moast astute jockeys frequently enough find a way to prevail. Stamina, jumping ability, and tactical awareness remain crucial, nonetheless of the underfoot conditions.

Did you know? The Irish Grand National is often used as a stepping stone to the Aintree Grand National, the world’s most famous steeplechase, held annually in Liverpool, England. U.S.-based owners have increasingly targeted the Aintree Grand National in recent years, recognizing the prestige and lucrative purse it offers.

FAQ:

What time is the Irish Grand National? The race typically takes place in the late afternoon, Irish time. Check local listings for simulcast data.
how can I watch the race in the U.S.? Many online racing platforms and sportsbooks offer live streaming of international races.
What makes the Irish Grand National so challenging? The race’s distance (3 miles,5 furlongs),the number and difficulty of the fences,and the often-testing ground conditions combine to create a severe test of stamina and jumping ability.
Who are the leading trainers in the race? gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins are perennial powerhouses in Irish racing, and both have multiple entries in this year’s Grand National.
* How does the irish Grand National compare to American steeplechases? The Irish grand National is generally longer and features more demanding fences than most American steeplechases.

archyde.com Prediction:

1. Kinturk Kalanisi
2. Haiti Couleurs
3. Better Days Ahead
4.Bioluminescence
5. Harry Des Ongrais

April 21, 2025

archyde interviews Leading Irish Racing Analyst, Fiona O’Connell, on the BoyleSports Irish Grand National

The BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse is fast approaching, and the weather promises a grueling test of stamina. to provide our readers with expert insight,Archyde News Editor,sat down with Fiona O’Connell,a respected racing analyst and commentator for racing Post and the Irish Racing Channel,to discuss the key contenders and the impact of the anticipated rain.

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Fairyhouse

Archyde: Fiona, thank you for joining us. The Irish Grand National is always a highlight, but this year’s race seems particularly intriguing with the weather forecast.What are your initial thoughts as the race approaches?

Fiona O’Connell: Thanks for having me. It’s shaping up to be a memorable race. The ground will undoubtedly be a major factor, turning it into a true test of both horse and jockey. Fairyhouse is already a demanding course, and the rain will only amplify that challenge.

Analyzing the contenders: Who Benefits from the Conditions?

Archyde: Let’s dive into some of the contenders than. Which horses do you believe will particularly relish the heavy ground expected?

Fiona O’Connell: In terms of horses that should thrive, I’m promptly looking at Better Days Ahead. The forecast rain is a definite positive. Also, Harry Des Ongrais has shown an aptitude for soft conditions. bioluminescence, is another one likely to run well, and Search For Glory, with her proven record of success on heavy ground, must be taken seriously.

archyde: And what about horses that might find the conditions less favorable?

Fiona O’Connell: That’s a good question to consider.Those without proven form on very testing ground might struggle. Often, the heavy ground will bring some of the longer shots into contention, so it’s worth looking at horses perhaps overlooked by the field.

The Significance of Jockeys and trainer Tactics

Archyde: Of course, the jockeys play a crucial role. Are there any jockey/horse pairings you’re particularly keen on this year?

Fiona O’Connell: Definitely. Any Second Now, guided by Mark Walsh, is a pairing to watch incredibly carefully. They have familiarity with the track, strong stamina, and Walsh’s skills are very critically importent. The experience of jockeys in these conditions truly comes to the forefront.

Archyde: How critical will race tactics be considering potential for attrition?

Fiona O’Connell: Extremely crucial. Jockeys will need to conserve energy, picking their moments, but still keeping up. This race is as much about endurance and avoiding trouble as it is about speed. Those who can get a good position and jump well early in the race will be at a definite advantage.

The Underdogs and Potential Upsets

Archyde: The Irish Grand National has a history of surprising results. Which horses, perhaps, are you taking an interest in?

Fiona O’Connell: I keep trying to work out what Martin Brassil’s horses; Panda Boy and Desertmore House will do. Panda Boy is consistent,and Dessertmore House is very good in the right ground. always keep the smaller stables in mind. It is indeed also worth watching out for Kinturk kalanisi, given his trainer’s history in the race.

The American Angle: Racing Across the Pond

Archyde: Many of our readers in the U.S. are huge racing fans. How can they follow the action, and what do you think the Irish Grand national offers American enthusiasts?

Fiona O’Connell: Fortunately, with simulcast wagering and online streaming, it’s easier than ever to watch. For U.S. fans, this race is a brilliant contrast in training tactics and course design. It also offers a great opportunity to diversify their wagering strategies. The Irish National could offer another window into the best horses and the betting opportunities.

Expert Prediction and Conclusion

Archyde: Fiona, can you give us your top picks for the race?

Fiona O’Connell: It’s hard, especially with the weather! My initial picks are:

1. Kinturk Kalanisi
2. Haiti couleurs
3. Better Days ahead
4. Bioluminescence
5. Harry des Ongrais

Archyde: That’s a great list, and thank you for your insights, Fiona. It’s been very illuminating.

Fiona O’Connell: My pleasure! I’m looking forward to seeing how it unfolds.

Reader Interaction and discussion

Archyde: Now, we want to hear from you, our readers. In this increasingly competitive field,what do you think of the chances of the dark horses,and what are your predictions for this year’s Irish Grand National? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!