Yellow Grand National Horses

The Jonjo O’Neill gelding was made favourite for the Grand National two years ago after finishing third to Corach Rambler in the Ultima Chase of 2023 but was later ruled out of the National that year due to injury.  He was then prominent again in the betting for Aintree after finishing third in the Coral Gold Cup of the 23/24 season. Two subsequent disappointing runs meant he didn’t head to Aintree that year either but all systems appear on course for the Grand National this year.  Monbeg Genius finished second on his reappearance at Haydock this season and then made a really good showing in the Welsh National when fourth on ground that was probably too soft for him. He followed that up with an excellent win at Uttoxeter where he was a comfortable five length victor from Famous Bridge, which was his first win for over two years. The Racing Post Ratings team were very impressed with his win at Uttoxeter and rated it his best run to date over fences. There could be a question mark about if he has the prerequisite fight in his belly in a tight finish but he certainly ticks a lot of boxes for the big race in that he goes there in good form, can perform on most ground conditions and has proven his stamina in a Welsh National. As well as that, his trainer, Jonjo O’Neill, has already won an Aintree Grand National with Don’t Push It in 2010. Monbeg Genius appeals as a good value each-way chance for the 2025 Grand National.

Trainer Richard Phillips last had a runner in the Grand National way back in 2001 when Noble Lord was a faller in the race won by Red Marauder. Idas Boy's new connections will be hoping for a better run with their new purchase who was sold by Gigginstown House Stud after he finished tenth in last year's Galway Plate. The eleven-year-old gelding won four races for his former owners including the Irish version of the Midlands Grand National. That victory was worth 52k and Idas Boy came home at 40/1. That big win was in July 2024 but he has only had two runs since then so perhaps Idas Boy still retains plenty of ability.  He is rated five pounds higher in the Grand National than his last win so will have to be at the top of his game if he is to be competitive here.