2025 Irish Grand National - Betting Odds, Tips and Runners

Original banner featuring a jockey on a horse followed by the words "Irish Grand National" next to the coat of arms of the event and the sponsor which is Boyle Sports

Irish Grand National betting has now gotten underway, with the 155th iteration of the race scheduled for the 21st of April 2025. But who’s being favoured by the current Irish Grand National odds, and where can you access the competitive pricing and promotions at the best betting sites?

Best Irish Bookmakers

1.
Lunubet sports
5.0
5.0
Bonus:
€100

18+ | New players only | Min. deposit €20 | Max number of winnings using bonus funds is €10,000 | Bonus validity 14 days from receipt | Free spins given within 5 days from bonus activation, Wagering req. : 6x bonus + deposit | Wagering, banking, T&C apply | Play Responsibly

2.
Directionbet sport
4.9
4.9
Bonus:
€100

18+ | New players only | Min. deposit €10 | Max number of winnings using bonus funds is €10,000 | Bonus validity 14 days from receipt | Wagering req. : 16x bonus | Wagering, banking, terms & conditions apply | Play Responsibly

3.
Betovo sport
4.8
4.8
Bonus:
€1000

18+ | New players only | Min. deposit €10 | Wagering, banking, T&C apply. | Play Responsibly | www.gambleaware.org

🎲 Irish Grand National Ante-Post Betting Odds

Haiti Couleurs is the ante post favourite to win the Irish Grand National in 2025, having triumphed impressively in the Class 2 Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month. But which other runners are tipped to perform well at Fairyhouse this year?

Horse
boylesports-banner
william-hill-sport-banner
Haiti Couleurs
Now Is The Hour
Daily Present
Better Days Ahead
Johnnywho
High Class Hero
Canal End
Horse
boylesports-banner
william-hill-sport-banner
Haiti Couleurs
Now Is The Hour
Daily Present
Better Days Ahead
Johnnywho
High Class Hero
Canal End

⚠️Odds are subject to change. Please check before placing your bets.

💡 Irish Grand National Betting Tips

In addition to Haiti Couleurs, there are a handful of runners who offer value as either outright or each-way picks. Below, I’ve prepared some expert Irish Grand National tips to help you make informed selections and maximise your starting bankroll.

  • Evaluate the Whole Field: The Irish Grand National is highly competitive, with an average over-round of 142% over the last 20 race renewals. This means that bookies pay out €100 for every €142 wagered on average. What’s more, the starting favourite has only won three of the previous 20 race iterations, with Burrows Saint the last to achieve this in 2019. So, it’s worth analysing the entire field before placing bets, while also making use of each-way wagers to cover as many potential outcomes as possible with your real money bankroll.
  • Look Out for Recent Cheltenham Winners: Over the last 20 years, the course that has produced the most winners of the Irish Grand National is Cheltenham. In total, six winners since 2005 have prevailed at Cheltenham in their previous race, while this also applies to current ante post favourite Haiti Couleurs. The Cheltenham Festival usually takes place a month before the Irish Grand National, while it sees runners compete in similar going and over comparable distances. When comparing recent performances at Cheltenham, be sure to prioritise runners who have won in a similar class to the Irish Grand National too.
  • Inexperience in the Class isn’t a Bad Thing: Interestingly, the trend factor that has produced the highest LSP since 2005 (+164.50) is when runners had zero career places in the relevant class. What’s more, 88% of all Irish Grand National runners in the last 20 years had contested six or fewer races in the same class. So, runners should not be discounted because of a lack of experience in Class 1 races, although you will want to favour horses that have least competed over a distance of three miles or more.

⭐ How Our Are Irish Grand National Betting Tips Selected

These specific Irish Grand National betting tips are based on detailed analysis of specific datasets and trend factors. But which factors are the most important, and how can you leverage such data to inform your own selections?

  • Age: Eight of the last 10 Irish Grand National winners were aged eight or younger. If we drill down deeper into this trend, we can see that seven were either six or seven years old when they prevailed. So, targeting runners in the 6-8 age range is recommended when betting on National Hunt races of this type, as they’ll boast the optimal balance of speed, endurance and strength over longer distances.
  • Horse Form: Form is also key, as this highlights how runners have performed of late and their level of consistency. However, it’s important to conduct detailed form analysis, which evaluates performances over relevant distances and in specific conditions. For example, while current ante post favourite Haiti Couleurs has triumphed in five of his 10 career races to date (50%), his win-rate increases to 75% when competing over three miles or more.
  • Horse Weight: Each Irish Grand National runner will carry a specified weight, based on their quality and official rating (OR). Across all National Hunt races, horses can be ascribed a minimum of 10st 2lbs and a maximum of 12st, and runners with a lower OR will receive a proportionate reduction in their race weight. It’s important to analyse weight allocations and their potential impact on individual runners.
  • Official Ratings: The OR describes a horse’s official handicap mark, based on their perceived ability and past performances. Although horses will see their weight allocation increase in line with their OR, a higher handicap mark is indicative of a seasoned runner with an excellent track record. So, be sure to consider and handicap marks and any recent changes before backing runners.
  • Distance: As we’ve touched on, it’s important to determine how runners have fared over the relevant distance before picking a potential winner. The Irish Grand National is contested over 3 miles and 5 furlongs (5,834 metres), so look for horses that have previously competed (and ideally won) over three miles or more.

🏇 Irish Grand National Predictions

I’ve also created a more detailed Irish Grand National 2025 prediction, by further analysing the most likely winners and relevant trend factors. Click below to see who we think will prevail.

Irish Grand National 2025 – Outright WinnerAs the BoyleSports Irish Grand National approaches on Monday, April 21, 2025, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable race. Set against the stunning backdrop of Fairyhouse Racecourse in County Meath. Read on to see who we think will win.
Irish Grand National RYBO Handicap Hurdle BettingThe RYBO Handicap Hurdle is a Grade 1 race taking place on the festival’s opening day. The winner here can back a winner’s cheque of €60,000 on behalf of their trainer. Read on for my full preview!
Irish Grand National Gold Cup BettingThe annual Easter meeting at Fairyhouse hosts one of the event’s most coveted races - the Irish Grand National Gold Cup. In this review, I’m going to provide a comprehensive Irish Grand National Gold Cup betting guide, while taking a look at the most likely winners and best value odds!

⚡Irish Grand National Betting Sites

There are a number of popular and highly reputable Irish Grand National betting sites. Some offer superior value to others, of course, so here’s our take on the top three sportsbooks and why they stand out from their competitors.

✅ BoyleSports

boylesports-banner

Boyle Sports offers an outstanding horse racing betting experience, especially if you want to wager on the Irish Grand National. BoyleSports enables you to access more each-way places when wagering on the Irish National, up to six instead of the usual four. You can also access boosted odds on accumulator bets at BoyleSports, which is valuable if you intend to wager on several races at this year’s Fairyhouse Easter Festival. According to our comprehensive BoyleSports review, to get the site's welcome offer, you have to wager €10 and get €30 in free bets. The wager should be at minimum odds of 2.00.

✅ William Hill

william-hill-irish-grand-national-betting-banner

At William Hill, you can access the best odds guaranteed across all UK and Irish horse racing (including the Irish Grand National). This will adjust your odds if the eventual SP is bigger than the price that you’ve taken, ensuring a larger payout in the process (up to a maximum of €25,000). There’s also a ‘Pick Your Places’ promotion running at William Hill. This applies to single markets only and offers each-way payouts up to sixth place. The brand’s welcome offer requires you to wager €10 and get €40 in free bets. The initial wager is at odds of 1.50 or greater. You can learn more about this and the key T&Cs by reading our William Hill review.

📊 Fairyhouse Racecourse Key Facts

The Irish Grand National is the jewel in the crown of the three-day Easter Festival at Fairyhouse. Located approximately 23 km north of Dublin, this iconic track has been home to the Irish Grand National since 1870, while its first ever recorded race took place as long ago as 1848. The track is home to two chases courses, including a one-mile and 6.5 furlong right-handed circuit with 12 fences. It’s this particular track that hosts the Irish Grand National, which comprises two laps, 3 miles and 5 furlongs in total and features 24 jumps.

Overall, Fairyhouse is a wide, galloping track which is right-handed and square in nature. It features a steady climb on the side away from the stands, while there’s also a gradual descent in the back straight. The three furlong home straight is slightly uphill but not overly testing for runners, while it generally suits quick horses with a tendency to race prominently. During the last 20 Irish Grand National renewals at Fairyhouse, the fastest runner was Butlers Cabin in 2007 (he completed the course in 7:21:60). At the other end of the spectrum, Gordon Elliott’s General Principle recorded the slowest winning time in 2018, sauntering home in 9:02.20.

📆 Racing Irish Grand National Racing Schedule

The 2025 Easter Festival at Fairyhouse commences with Ladies Day on Saturday, April 19th, and will conclude on Monday, April 21st with the BoyleSports Irish Grand National. A total of 23 races will be contested over the three days, and are scheduled as follows:

Day 1 - Ladies Day - Saturday 19th April 2025

Time
Race
Distance
2:10pm
The Tom Quinlan Electrical Maiden Hurdle
2m 3f 165y
2.45pm
The Race Displays Joseph O'Reilly Hunters Steeplechase
3m 1f 55y
3.20pm
The BoyleSports Mares Handicap Chase
2m 5f 120y
3.55pm
The Fred Kenny Memorial Ladies National Steeplechase
2m 5f 120y
4.30pm
The INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final
2m 7f 165y
5.05pm
The RYBO Handicap Hurdle (Grade A)
2m 90y
5:40pm
The Irish Stallion Farms Mares Flat Race
2m
Time
2:10pm
2.45pm
3.20pm
3.55pm
4.30pm
5.05pm
5:40pm
Race
The Tom Quinlan Electrical Maiden Hurdle
The Race Displays Joseph O'Reilly Hunters Steeplechase
The BoyleSports Mares Handicap Chase
The Fred Kenny Memorial Ladies National Steeplechase
The INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final
The RYBO Handicap Hurdle (Grade A)
The Irish Stallion Farms Mares Flat Race
Distance
2m 3f 165y
3m 1f 55y
2m 5f 120y
2m 5f 120y
2m 7f 165y
2m 90y
2m

Day 2 - Willowwarm Gold Cup & Family Day - Sunday 20th April 2025

Time
Race
Distance
1:22pm
The Cawley Furniture Novice Handicap Hurdle
2m 4f
1.52pm
The BoyleSports, Proud Sponsors Since 2014 Novice Handicap Steeplechase
2m 150y
2.22pm
The WillowWarm Gold Cup Grade 1
2m 4f
3.00pm
The Donohue Marquees Rated Chase
3m 90y
3.35pm
The Ryan's Cleaning Maiden Hurdle
2m
4.10pm
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle Grade 1
2m 4f
4.45pm
The Paddy Keogh Suspended Ceilings Handicap Hurdle
2m 4f
5.20pm
The Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Sales Bumper
2m
Time
1:22pm
1.52pm
2.22pm
3.00pm
3.35pm
4.10pm
4.45pm
5.20pm
Race
The Cawley Furniture Novice Handicap Hurdle
The BoyleSports, Proud Sponsors Since 2014 Novice Handicap Steeplechase
The WillowWarm Gold Cup Grade 1
The Donohue Marquees Rated Chase
The Ryan's Cleaning Maiden Hurdle
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle Grade 1
The Paddy Keogh Suspended Ceilings Handicap Hurdle
The Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Sales Bumper
Distance
2m 4f
2m 150y
2m 4f
3m 90y
2m
2m 4f
2m 4f
2m

Day 3 - Irish Grand National Day - Monday 21st April 2025

Time
Race
Distance
2.05pm
The Farmhouse Foods Novice Handicap Hurdle
2m
2.40pm
The O' Driscolls Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle
2m
3.15pm
The Fairyhouse Steel Handicap Hurdle
2m 6f 45y
3.50pm
The Rathbarry & Glenviews Stud Hurdle
2m
4.20pm
The McInerney Properties Fairyhouse Chase
2m 3f 160y
5.00pm
The BoyleSports Irish Grand National Steeplechase (Grade A)
3m 5f
5.40pm
The Envirogreen Building Services Handicap Steeplechase
3m 124y
6.10pm
The Leinster Reinforcements & Brazil Piling Flat Race
2m
Time
2.05pm
2.40pm
3.15pm
3.50pm
4.20pm
5.00pm
5.40pm
6.10pm
Race
The Farmhouse Foods Novice Handicap Hurdle
The O' Driscolls Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle
The Fairyhouse Steel Handicap Hurdle
The Rathbarry & Glenviews Stud Hurdle
The McInerney Properties Fairyhouse Chase
The BoyleSports Irish Grand National Steeplechase (Grade A)
The Envirogreen Building Services Handicap Steeplechase
The Leinster Reinforcements & Brazil Piling Flat Race
Distance
2m
2m
2m 6f 45y
2m
2m 3f 160y
3m 5f
3m 124y
2m

🥇 Irish Grand National Jockey & Trainer Statistics

When picking your potential Irish Grand National winners, it’s also important to analyse the past performances of jockeys and trainers. Some will have performed particularly well in historic Irish Grand Nationals, whereas others have an impressive overall win-rate at the Fairyhouse course.

Here’s an overview of the best performing jockeys and trainers across the previous 20 Irish Grand National iterations.

Top 10 Jockeys and Trainers

In terms of jockeys, only JJ Slevin has won multiple Irish Grand Nationals since 2005. He has also placed in five of his six runs at the event (83.33%) and produced a win LSP of +22.50. Ricky Doyle has produced one winner from just two rides and an impressive win LSP of +149.00. He prevailed in 2021 with the 151.00 shot Freewheelin Dylan, in one of the most seismic Irish Grand National shocks of all-time.

Jockey
R-W-P
Win LSP
EW LSP
JJ Slevin
6-2-3
+22.50
+16.19
Paul Townend
13-1-3
-4.00
-5.31
Ricky Doyle
2-1-1
+149.00
+92.75
PJ O’Hanlon
1-1-1
+40.00
+25.00
Harry Skelton
1-1-1
+33.00
+20.63
Mark Walsh
14-0-1
-14.00
-11.75
Danny Mullins
10-0-4
-10.00
+3.13
Robbie Colgan
9-0-0
-9.00
-9.00
Phillip Enright
9-0-0
-9.00
-9.00
Sean Flanagan
9-0-0
-9.00
-9.00
Jockey
JJ Slevin
Paul Townend
Ricky Doyle
PJ O’Hanlon
Harry Skelton
Mark Walsh
Danny Mullins
Robbie Colgan
Phillip Enright
Sean Flanagan
R-W-P
6-2-3
13-1-3
2-1-1
1-1-1
1-1-1
14-0-1
10-0-4
9-0-0
9-0-0
9-0-0
Win LSP
+22.50
-4.00
+149.00
+40.00
+33.00
-14.00
-10.00
-9.00
-9.00
-9.00
EW LSP
+16.19
-5.31
+92.75
+25.00
+20.63
-11.75
+3.13
-9.00
-9.00
-9.00

There are five trainers who have won multiple Irish Nationals since 2005, with Willie Mullins, M F Morris, Jonjo O’Neill, Thomas Gibney and Dermot A McLoughlin all recording two victories during this period. Dermot McLoughlin has also seen all four of his Irish National runners either win or place during this period. This has seen him produce a win LSP of +188.00 and an each-way LSP of +116.75.

Trainer
R-W-P
Win LSP
EW LSP
WP Mullins
50-2-10
-34.00
-17.05
M F Morris
14-2-6
+37.00
+35.01
Jonjo O’Neill
11-2-4
+13.00
+7.75
Thomas Gibney
6-2-2
+35.50
+20.69
Dermot A McLoughlin
4-2-2
+188.00
+116.75
Gordon Elliott
67-1-9
-46.00
-27.74
A L T Moore
14-1-5
-1.00
+1.63
Mrs John Harrington
7-1-1
1.50
-3.19
Martin Brassil
5-1-1
+5.00
+1.63
Bob Buckler
2-1-1
+32.00
+19.63
Trainer
WP Mullins
M F Morris
Jonjo O’Neill
Thomas Gibney
Dermot A McLoughlin
Gordon Elliott
A L T Moore
Mrs John Harrington
Martin Brassil
Bob Buckler
R-W-P
50-2-10
14-2-6
11-2-4
6-2-2
4-2-2
67-1-9
14-1-5
7-1-1
5-1-1
2-1-1
Win LSP
-34.00
+37.00
+13.00
+35.50
+188.00
-46.00
-1.00
1.50
+5.00
+32.00
EW LSP
-17.05
+35.01
+7.75
+20.69
+116.75
-27.74
+1.63
-3.19
+1.63
+19.63

🏆 Irish Grand National Past Winners

Below, you’ll also find details of the last 10 Irish Grand National winners. You’ll see that no runner has won consecutive races during this period, while the triumphant horses have come from eight different stables. Dermot A McLoughlin (2021 and 2022) and WP Mullins (2019 and 2023) have both fielded two winners since 2014.

Year / Winning Time
Horse
Trainer
Jockey
2024 / 8:39.80
Intense Raffles, 6yo, 11-4
Thomas Gibney, IRE
JJ Slevin
2023 / 8:24.50
I Am Maximus, 7yo, 11-1
WP Mullins, IRE
Paul Townend
2022 / 8:03.80
Lord Lariat, 7yo, 9-12
Dermot A McLoughlin, IRE
PJ O’Hanlon
2021 / 7:48.10
Freewheelin Dylan, 9yo, 10-8
Dermot A McLoughlin, IRE
Ricky Doyle
2019 / 7:47.60
Burrows Saint, 6yo, 10-8
WP Mullins, IRE
R Walsh
2018 / 9:02.20
General Principle, 9yo, 10-0
Gordon Elliott, IRE
JJ Slevin
2017 / 7:47.20
Our Duke, 7yo, 11-4
Mrs John Harrington, IRE
Robbie Power
2016 / 7:55.70
Rogue Angel, 8yo, 10-6
M F Morris, IRE
Ger Fox
2015 / 8:08.20
Thunder and Roses, 7yo, 10-6
Ms Sandra Hughes, IRE
Ms K Walsh
2014 / 7:40.20
Shutthefrontdoor, 7yo, 10-13
Jonjo O’Neill, GB
Barry Geraghty
Year / Winning Time
2024 / 8:39.80
2023 / 8:24.50
2022 / 8:03.80
2021 / 7:48.10
2019 / 7:47.60
2018 / 9:02.20
2017 / 7:47.20
2016 / 7:55.70
2015 / 8:08.20
2014 / 7:40.20
Horse
Intense Raffles, 6yo, 11-4
I Am Maximus, 7yo, 11-1
Lord Lariat, 7yo, 9-12
Freewheelin Dylan, 9yo, 10-8
Burrows Saint, 6yo, 10-8
General Principle, 9yo, 10-0
Our Duke, 7yo, 11-4
Rogue Angel, 8yo, 10-6
Thunder and Roses, 7yo, 10-6
Shutthefrontdoor, 7yo, 10-13
Trainer
Thomas Gibney, IRE
WP Mullins, IRE
Dermot A McLoughlin, IRE
Dermot A McLoughlin, IRE
WP Mullins, IRE
Gordon Elliott, IRE
Mrs John Harrington, IRE
M F Morris, IRE
Ms Sandra Hughes, IRE
Jonjo O’Neill, GB
Jockey
JJ Slevin
Paul Townend
PJ O’Hanlon
Ricky Doyle
R Walsh
JJ Slevin
Robbie Power
Ger Fox
Ms K Walsh
Barry Geraghty

🎯 BetInIreland’s Conclusion

Before you engage in Irish Grand National betting, you should note that this is an incredibly competitive race that’s also tough to call. This is borne out by the fact that only three starting favourites have triumphed in the previous 20 years. So, it’s important to access the best Irish National betting odds, while also making the most of any available promotions and free bet offers. You can also use our expert tips to help you make the most informed decisions possible.

❓ Irish Grand National FAQs Answered

Before we bring this betting guide to a close, I’m going to answer some of your most frequently asked questions. Hopefully, this will help to fill any remaining gaps in knowledge and summarise the content included in the above guide!

What time is the Irish Grand National?

The Irish Grand National 2025 will take place on Monday, 21st April, with the runners expected to arrive under starters orders at 17:00. This will be the 155th iteration of a race that was inaugurated back in 1870.


Who is the Top rated Irish Grand National Trainer?

Willie Mullins is the best-performing Irish Grand National trainer over the course of the last 20 years. During this period, he has fielded two winners and achieved 10 additional places from a total of 50 rides. Mullins is also the top-rated trainer at Fairyhouse during the last five seasons, achieving 139 wins and 297 placed finishes from 539 outings.


What are the best bookmakers for betting on the Irish Grand National in Ireland?

Our picks as the best Irish Grand National betting sites are BoyleSports, William Hill and Betway. Each of these sportsbooks offers highly competitive odds and an excellent range of horse racing promotions. However, you can check out our detailed bookmarker reviews to learn more about each of these sites.


Who is the top rated Irish Grand National Jockey?

Since 2005, JJ Slevin is the only jockey to win multiple Irish Grand Nationals (two). In just six rides, he has won or placed on five occasions, achieving an each-way LSP of +16.19 in the process. Over the last five seasons, Paul Townend has performed superbly at Fairyhouse, winning 65 of his 183 rides (36%) while placing an incredible 71% of the time.


How to pick the winner of the Irish Grand National?

Like the English Grand National and Scottish Grand National, the Irish Grand National is always difficult to call. However, it’s possible to identify the most likely winners in 2025, based on the analysis of form, trend factors and historical performances.


Where is the Irish Grand National Held?

The 2025 Irish Grand National will take place at the Fairyhouse racecourse in County Meath, Ireland. It has been hosted at this iconic venue since the race’s inception in 1870.

About us

A business and iGaming copywriter from the UK, who has a passion for sports betting and remote casino betting. He's reviewed some of the world's leading casino platforms while creating blog posts and landing page content for various sports betting brands. His content has also been featured on a number of different sites, including Life Hack, Investopedia, Yahoo Finance and Business Insider. He also pens regular sports features for sites including 90 Minutes, Think Football Ideas and Sportsblog.