The Grand National is no place for the faint-hearted, and Conflated certainly isn’t one to shy away from a challenge.
Trained by Gordon Elliott, this classy chaser might just have the right mix of grit and experience to thrive in the world’s most unpredictable steeplechase.
He’s been around the block (and a few fences) more than once, and while the National is a different beast altogether, there’s a quiet feeling he could be a dark horse worth keeping an eye on.
Conflated: A Legendary Chaser
For Gordon Elliott’s Conflated, the 2025 edition could be the ultimate proving ground.
This veteran chaser, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, has been a fixture of top-tier racing for years but has yet to tackle the iconic Aintree fences.
As the twilight of his career approaches, this might be his moment to shine.
He boasts a career marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of frustration, and has amassed over £536,000 in earnings across 41 starts under rules.
His resume includes seven wins and notable victories such as the Irish Gold Cup in February 2022 and the Grade 1 Savills Chase in December of that year.
These achievements cemented his status as a top-class chaser capable of competing against elite opposition.
However, recent seasons have been less kind to Conflated. He has struggled to recapture his peak form, with no wins since his Savills Chase triumph.
His performances this season have been inconsistent, including a sixth-place finish at Cheltenham and unseating his rider in multiple races.
Critics have pointed to his frequent jumping errors as a potential liability for a race as demanding as the Grand National.
Why Has Conflated Never Run the Grand National?
Despite being entered for the Grand National multiple times, Conflated has never made it to the starting line.
The primary reason lies in the heavy weights he has been assigned due to his high handicap rating.
Carrying top weight in a race like this is a significant disadvantage, prompting connections to opt for shorter-distance races at Aintree instead.
Over the past three years, Conflated has competed in races like the Bowl Chase and Melling Chase during the Aintree Festival.
While these races showcased his abilities over shorter trips, they left unanswered questions about his stamina for marathon distances.
Gigginstown House Stud
Conflated’s owner, Gigginstown House Stud, is synonymous with success in National Hunt racing.
Led by Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, Gigginstown has captured major titles like the Cheltenham Gold Cup (War Of Attrition and Don Cossack) and multiple Grand Nationals with Rule The World (2016) and Tiger Roll (2018 and 2019).
Known for their strategic approach to racing, Gigginstown often supports veteran horses like Conflated in their later years.
While Gigginstown announced plans to wind down operations starting in 2019, their commitment to racing remains strong.
Pros and Cons
Conflated might not be topping everyone’s betting slip, but there’s plenty about this seasoned chaser that makes him a fascinating Grand National prospect.
At 11, he joins a select group of veterans, like Neptune Collonges and Pineau De Re, who proved age is just a number at Aintree.
With two Grade 1 wins on his record, there’s no doubt he’s got class in the locker, and carrying 11st 2lbs this time gives him a fighting chance.
Add in the guidance of Gordon Elliott, and you’ve got the makings of a serious contender.
That said, there are a few question marks. His jumping hasn’t always been flawless, and a patchy run of form lately might give punters pause.
And while he’s tackled long trips before, whether he’ll stay the full Aintree marathon is still up for debate.
But in a race where anything can happen, Conflated isn’t one to rule out lightly.
Whether he conquers Aintree or falters under its pressures, one thing is certain: this race will be a defining chapter in Conflated’s career.
BETFRED
