In a race packed with big names and bold headlines, Grangeclare West is quietly going about his business—and that might just be the smartest way to tackle the 2025 Grand National.
Trained by the ever-formidable Willie Mullins, this isn’t the horse grabbing the spotlight or dominating the betting markets, but don’t let that fool you.
Grangeclare West has the right mix of stamina, jumping ability, and Mullins magic to make a proper impact at Aintree.
While others come with fanfare and hype, this lad is sneaking in under the radar—and sometimes, that’s exactly how a National winner likes it.
Mullins knows how to prepare a horse for a big day, and this one could be peaking at just the right time.
If you’re the type of bettor who enjoys finding value where others aren’t looking, Grangeclare West might be the name to scribble in your notebook!
Top Class Chaser
Grangeclare West’s journey to potential Grand National glory began in impressive fashion.
He won his only point-to-point start and followed that up with a victory in a bumper at Punchestown in May 2021.
This early promise translated well to hurdles, where he secured two wins from four starts, including a Grade 1 victory at Punchestown in April 2023.
The transition to chasing, often a make-or-break moment for National Hunt horses, has proven Grangeclare West’s true calling.
His chase debut at Naas in November 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, beating a strong field that included Corbetts Cross.
But it was his performance in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown in December 2023 that really turned heads.
Grangeclare West put up a commanding display, winning by six lengths and prompting bookmakers to slash his odds for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
Season So Far
The 2024/25 season has seen Grangeclare West cement his status as a top-class chaser.
A strong second-place finish in the Irish Gold Cup on February 1, 2025, demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.
This performance, in particular, caught the eye of his connections, with Cheveley Park Stud’s Richard Thompson stating it put Grangeclare West “definitely” in contention for major honours.
As we approach the 2025 Grand National, Grangeclare West’s form suggests he’s peaking at the right time.
His most recent outing at Navan on March 1, 2025, saw him finish a respectable fifth in a high-quality field, a run likely designed to fine-tune his preparation for Aintree.
He’s proven he can stay three miles in top company, and his jumping has been consistently solid.
The step up to the Grand National distance is always an unknown, but everything in Grangeclare West’s profile suggests he has the tools to handle it.
Cheveley Park Stud
For Cheveley Park Stud, Grangeclare West represents a golden opportunity to add the Grand National to their impressive list of achievements.
Founded in 1975 by David and Patricia Thompson, Cheveley Park has become one of the most successful breeding and racing operations in Europe.
They’ve enjoyed success at the highest level on the Flat, including breeding and owning champions like Pivotal and Russian Rhythm.
In recent years, they’ve expanded their National Hunt interests, with horses like Envoi Allen and Allaho carrying their distinctive red, white, and blue silks to victory at the Cheltenham Festival.
However, the Grand National has thus far eluded them. A victory for Grangeclare West would not only be a crowning achievement for the horse and Willie Mullins but would also fill a significant gap in Cheveley Park Stud’s trophy cabinet.
A Word of Caution
With 34 runners in this year’s race, it’s easy to find reasons why all of them could win it. The reality is that on the day, and depending on how the race plays out, realisitically, any of them could.
So while Grangeclare West is a fabulous chaser, with a lot to offer, he doesn’t tick every single box.
There are several factors that could hinder his Grand National chances including the hefty 11st 8lb he will carry, putting him firmly among the top-weighted horses in the race.
His stamina for such an extreme test remains unproven, as he’s yet to race beyond 3m½f. Additionally, Grangeclare West’s participation in the Aintree showpiece isn’t guaranteed, as he also holds an entry in the Irish Grand National.
This alternative engagement could see connections opt for the shorter, more familiar Fairyhouse contest instead.
That said, in a race often won by horses that slip under the radar, Grangeclare West might just be the quiet achiever ready to make a big noise at Aintree.
In a sport where stories of triumph against the odds capture our imagination, this bay gelding from Cheveley Park Stud, under the care of Ireland’s greatest trainer, could be about to write his own chapter in Grand National history.
BETFRED
