Fil Dor might not be the first name jumping out of the racecard when you scan the 2025 Grand National entries, but don’t be too quick to scroll past him.
Trained by Gordon Elliott, a man who knows exactly how to prepare a Grand National winner, Fil Dor brings a touch of class and a bucketload of experience to the Aintree test.
He’s better known for his days mixing it over hurdles, but he’s made the switch to chasing without fuss and still has that sharpness that once made him a Festival hopeful.
At a bigger price than some of his more talked-about rivals, Fil Dor could quietly work his way into contention, especially if the race gets a bit messy.
He’s the kind of runner who might just pop up when least expected, reminding everyone that Elliott’s yard runs deep with quality.
Top Class Prospect
Grey runner Fil Dor didn’t waste any time making a name for himself after swapping France for Gordon Elliott’s yard in Ireland back in 2021.
If you’re not a racing expert, here’s the short version: he arrived, he impressed, and he racked up wins!
As a young hurdler, he shot to attention with three wins on the bounce, including a big one at Leopardstown. He even took on the best at Cheltenham and finished runner-up to Vauban, one of the hottest names in the game.
Then came a switch to chasing, and he kept showing flashes of real talent. He won a decent race at Gowran Park and held his own against some seriously good horses like El Fabiolo.
That said, his results have been a bit hit and miss. Some days he looks brilliant; other days, not quite on it.
Still, he’s got two wins and eight places from 14 chase starts, which proves he can mix it at a high level.
And get this – he’s related to A Plus Tard, a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. So while he might not be the flashiest pick for Aintree, Fil Dor’s got the stamina, the experience, and a sneaky bit of pedigree that could surprise a few.
Why Are His Odds So Long?
Currently, you can get Fil Dor at anywhere from 66/1 to 100/1 depending on where you look. He spent quite a bit of time at 80/1 so finds himself far down the betting markets.
There are some legitimate reasons for this including the stamina concern. The distance of the National is uncharted territory for Fil Dor.
To date, he has raced over three miles only once, finishing third at Fairyhouse in February on heavy ground. It doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
While capable of strong performances, Fil Dor has struggled to string together top-tier results against elite opposition, and this year’s Grand National field is stacked with proven stayers like Stumptown and I Am Maximus.
It certainly is a disadvantage compared to these rivals; however, long odds have never deterred Grand National winners before – just ask Mon Mome (100/1 in 2009) or Auroras Encore (66/1 in 2013).
Fil Dor’s class could yet shine through if he takes to Aintree’s unique demands.
The Robcour Factor
Fil Dor carries the pink-and-black silks of Robcour Racing, one of Ireland’s powerhouse ownership groups led by Brian Acheson.
Robcour has rapidly ascended the ranks of National Hunt racing thanks to astute investments and partnerships with top trainers like Elliott and Henry de Bromhead.
The owner’s standout successes include Bob Olinger’s Cheltenham Festival wins and numerous Grade 1 victories across Britain and Ireland.
Their commitment to sourcing quality horses ensures that any runner representing them is worth consideration.
With Robcour’s backing, Fil Dor will arrive at Aintree well-prepared for his biggest challenge yet.
Still A Contender
Fil Dor might not be topping the list of favourites for this year’s Grand National, but there’s more to him than the odds suggest.
He’s a classy operator with a strong record from his early days over hurdles and has more than held his own against some top chasers since switching to fences.
One of his biggest assets is his jumping which is solid, dependable, and exactly what you need when tackling Aintree’s famously tough obstacles.
Add in the fact that he’s trained by Gordon Elliott, who’s already tasted Grand National success, and it’s clear he’s in very capable hands.
That said, there are still a few unknowns. The big one is stamina. We’ve not seen him run over a distance quite like this before, so whether he’ll stay the trip is anyone’s guess.
He’s also done his best work on softer ground, so if Aintree serves up a quicker surface, that might not suit him.
And while he’s talented, he hasn’t got much experience in big, crowded handicap races, which are often a different beast entirely.
These are the kinds of questions that make him a long shot, but an interesting one all the same.
Can The Underdog Triumph?
The Grand National has always been a race where underdogs can shine.
For Fil Dor, victory would mark the culmination of an intriguing career that has seen highs and lows but always hinted at untapped potential.
With Gordon Elliott plotting his path and Robcour providing unwavering support, Fil Dor will line up on April 5th as more than just an outsider; he’ll carry hopes of defying expectations.
Whether or not he emerges victorious, one thing is certain: Fil Dor deserves a second look as one of this year’s most fascinating contenders.
BETFRED
