If there’s one thing the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse guarantees, it’s drama. Every year, a cast of 30 hopefuls lines up in pursuit of glory, and more often than not, the script gets thrown out the window.
While punters pore over the form of the favourites, the real magic of this race lies with the outsiders – the dark horses who, at odds longer than a bank holiday traffic jam, threaten to turn the betting market upside down.
As the 2025 renewal beckons later today, let’s take a lighthearted look at why a few long shots could once again steal the show, and why history says you should never count out a dark horse at Fairyhouse!
Grand National Shocks of the Past
The Irish Grand National has a rich tradition of upsets that would make even the most seasoned punter’s jaw drop.
In fact, backing the favourite has rarely been a ticket to riches at Fairyhouse. Only three favourites have obliged in the last 21 runnings, and the race’s recent roll of honour reads like a celebration of the underdog.
2021: Freewheelin Dylan stunned everyone at 150/1, galloping into the history books as the longest-priced winner ever.
Bookmakers reportedly needed smelling salts, while punters who took a chance on him enjoyed the kind of payout usually reserved for lottery winners.
2022: Lord Lariat, sent off at 40/1, proved lightning can strike twice, giving young jockey Paddy O’Hanlon a day to remember.
2013: Liberty Counsel landed the spoils at 50/1, leaving the fancied runners trailing in her wake.
2012, 2009, 2008: Winners at 33/1 or bigger have been common, and even the places often feature horses whose odds would make you double-check your betting slip.
These shocks aren’t limited to just the winner’s enclosure. The top five finishers frequently include horses at 50/1 or more, and when the favourite flounders – a regular occurrence – the door swings wide open for a dark horse to gallop through.
Meet the 2025 Dark Horses: Three Outsiders Who Could Spring a Surprise
This year’s field is as open as ever, and while the favourites will have their supporters, here are five big-priced runners who could have their moment in the Fairyhouse sun.
Another Choice (66/1)
Another Choice only made the final field after a couple of late withdrawals, but sometimes fate smiles on the latecomers.
He’s lightly raced over fences and has shown glimpses of promise, suggesting there’s more to come.
With little weight on his back and nothing to lose, Another Choice could be the type to improve for the step up in trip and spring a surprise if he takes to the unique demands of Fairyhouse.
In a race where the unexpected is expected, he’s one to keep an eye on.
Sequestered (66/1)
Sequestered is a horse who’s been quietly progressive in handicaps, notably bolting up at Leopardstown over Christmas and running a cracker at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Things didn’t go his way in the Ultima at Cheltenham, but his trainer Paul Gilligan believes Fairyhouse’s big, galloping track will suit him much better.
Sequestered seems to be in great form at home, and if he gets into a rhythm, his price could look very generous indeed.
He’s the kind of horse who could be picking off tired rivals late on, and with a bit more luck in running, he could be the one to make the bookmakers sweat.
Stuzzikini (50/1)
Stuzzikini is a classic “all or nothing” type. He put up the performance of his life to win the Troytown Chase at Navan in November, showing he can handle a big field and a searching trip.
Since then, he’s failed to fire, but trainer Gordon Elliott knows how to get one ready for the big day.
If Stuzzikini rediscovers his Troytown form, he’s got the ability to be right in the mix.
It’s a big “if,” but in a race where fortunes can turn in a heartbeat, he’s exactly the sort of horse who could pop up at a massive price and have everyone scrambling for their racecards.
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Why Outsiders Outrun Their Odds at Fairyhouse
So, what makes the Irish Grand National such fertile ground for upsets? For starters, it’s the ultimate test of stamina and jumping, run over 3 miles and 5 furlongs with a bumper field and often testing ground.
The sheer unpredictability of 30 runners thundering around Fairyhouse means luck, timing, and a bit of pluck can go a long way.
Horses that haven’t shown their hand all season, or those who have been quietly campaigned with this race in mind, can suddenly find everything falling into place.
And let’s not forget the trainers and jockeys who know how to plot a surprise. Local handlers, shrewd campaigners, and young riders hungry for a breakthrough all add to the sense that, in the Irish National, anything is possible.
Why This Year Could Be Another Shock
The trends are clear: in the Irish Grand National, the outsiders are never just making up the numbers.
With only three winning favourites in over two decades and a roll call of shock winners, it pays to look beyond the obvious.
Horses like Sequestered, Another Choice and Stuzzikini have the right blend of experience, stamina, and a touch of unpredictability that this race rewards.
So, as you settle in to watch the drama unfold at Fairyhouse this Easter Monday, spare a thought, and maybe a small each-way flutter, for the dark horses.
Because in the Irish Grand National, the next big surprise is always just around the corner!
BETFRED
