Gavin Cromwell isn’t just turning up to Fairyhouse for a day out – he’s bringing a small army.
With seven runners in the 2025 Irish Grand National, the County Meath trainer is clearly hoping that strength in numbers could be the key to landing one of the biggest prizes in jump racing.
It’s bold, it’s busy, and it’s bound to get people talking. Could one of them be the one?
Gavin Cromwell’s Season So Far
Gavin Cromwell’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of career-defining. The highlight came at Cheltenham, where Inothewayurthinkin stormed to victory in the Gold Cup, denying the mighty Galopin Des Champs a historic treble.
This win marked Cromwell’s first Gold Cup and capped a festival where his stable also landed the Cross Country with Stumptown.
Cromwell’s tally of major festival wins now rivals some of the best in the business, with previous successes in the Stayers’ Hurdle and Champion Hurdle.
His team is in flying form, and his ability to ready horses for the big occasion is now beyond doubt.
Yet, for all his achievements, the Irish Grand National remains a glaring omission from his CV – a fact not lost on Cromwell or his supporters.
Gavin Cromwell Irish Grand National Horses
For today’s Irish Grand National, Cromwell plans to saddle seven runners, and they are:
| Horse | Jockey | Odds | Notable Form/Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now Is The Hour | Conor Stone-Walsh | 7/1 | Stamina-laden, strong Grand National type |
| Bioluminescence | Keith Donoghue | 8/1 | Grade 2-winning mare, progressive |
| Malina Girl | Sean Flanagan | 22/1 | Tough mare, Cheltenham placer |
| Noble Birth | Daniel King | 25/1 | Consistent, needs to step up |
| Final Orders | Patrick O’Brien (7) | 25/1 | Stamina proven, recent revival |
| Yeah Man | Kieren Buckley | 33/1 | Haydock winner, needs bounce back |
| Mint Boy | Kevin Sexton | 33/1 | Unexposed, stamina to prove |
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Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is a standout among Cromwell’s septet and commands respect in the betting at around 8/1.
This talented mare announced herself with a dominant win in a Grade 2 novice chase at Limerick over Christmas.
She followed up with a strong second in a Grade 3 at Naas and has continued to run well in competitive company.
Her stamina for this marathon test is not in doubt, and the stable’s riding arrangements suggest she is highly regarded.
Bioluminescence’s blend of class and consistency makes her a live contender, especially if she can handle the hustle and bustle of a 30-runner handicap.
Now Is The Hour
Now Is The Hour is the shortest-priced of Cromwell’s runners at around 6/1 or 7/1, and is widely seen as the stable’s best chance.
He was running a big race in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham before falling late on and has long looked the type for a stamina test like this.
The fact that he leads the betting among Cromwell’s team speaks volumes for his credentials.
If he can put his Cheltenham mishap behind him, Now Is The Hour could be the one to give Cromwell that elusive Irish Grand National victory.
Final Orders
Final Orders is a seasoned campaigner who has rediscovered his form just in time for this assignment.
After a quiet spell, he bounced back with a clear third in a good Leopardstown handicap before chasing home Dunboyne in the Ulster National over a gruelling 3m5f, proving his stamina for marathon distances.
He’s adaptable regarding ground and trip, but this will be his toughest test yet, and at 25/1, he’s considered more of an outsider.
Still, his recent revival gives connections hope that he could outrun his odds if things fall his way.
Malina Girl
Malina Girl is a tough and reliable mare who has already shown her liking for big-field handicaps.
She ran a cracker to finish third in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, despite an early mistake, and has winning form at Cheltenham over nearly three and a half miles.
Stamina is her asset, and she won’t mind if the ground turns testing. The handicapper may have her measure, but her honesty and consistency mean she cannot be ruled out, especially for each-way players looking for a horse who is likely to give her running.
Mint Boy
Mint Boy is one of the more unexposed members of the team and is yet to win over fences, but he was a progressive staying hurdler last season.
He was well-fancied for the Kim Muir at Cheltenham before unseating his rider, so his true ability as a staying chaser remains something of a mystery.
At 33/1, he represents the classic “dark horse” profile, and if he takes to the demands of the Grand National trip, he could surprise a few.
However, he’ll need to find improvement to get involved at the business end.
Noble Birth
Noble Birth comes into the race with a reputation for consistency, often running well without quite threatening to win the big prizes.
He’s been placed in competitive handicaps and shapes as though this longer trip could unlock further improvement.
However, he’ll need to find a bit more to trouble the principals, and his odds reflect the task ahead.
For those who like a horse who usually gives his running, Noble Birth is a solid if unspectacular option.
Yeah Man
Yeah Man is a proven stayer, having landed the Grand National Trial at Haydock last season and finishing third in the Troytown Chase on his reappearance.
He was unlucky in the Haydock trial this year, unseating when still in contention, and his most recent run in the Kim Muir was below par.
Connections reach for blinkers in the hope of sparking a revival. If they work, and he returns to his best, Yeah Man has the stamina and ability to play a part, but he needs to bounce back from a couple of disappointing efforts.
Cromwell’s Chances: Can He Land the Big One?
With seven runners in the field, Gavin Cromwell has given himself every chance of breaking his Irish Grand National duck.
Statistically, the more runners, the better the odds, but the Grand National is notoriously unpredictable, with luck in running and stamina reserves crucial over the demanding 3m5f trip.
Now Is The Hour and Bioluminescence look the pick of the bunch, both with strong staying credentials and recent form in high-class company.
Malina Girl brings proven big-race experience, while Final Orders and Yeah Man have shown they can stay marathon trips. Mint Boy and Noble Birth are less exposed and could improve for the test.
Cromwell’s team is in red-hot form after a landmark Cheltenham Festival, and his horses are known for their toughness and readiness for the big day.
Yet, the Irish Grand National is a race that often springs surprises, and even the best-laid plans can come unstuck in a field of 30.
Realistically, Cromwell’s best chance lies with Now Is The Hour, whose profile fits the race well, while Bioluminescence and Malina Girl offer strong each-way value.
With so many bullets to fire, it would be no surprise to see the green and white silks in the mix turning for home.
Whether one can land the big one remains to be seen, but Cromwell’s quest for Irish National glory is as compelling as any story at Fairyhouse this Easter Monday.
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