With a name like Perceval Legallois, you’d be forgiven for thinking this horse galloped straight out of a medieval legend—and in a way, he has.
Translating to Perceval the Welshman, he shares his name with Sir Perceval, a Welsh Knight of the Round Table, and a loyal servant to King Arthur.
Now, centuries later, the name could come full circle – only this time, the battlefield is Aintree and the prize is the Grand National.
Trained by Gavin Cromwell and owned by JP McManus, Perceval Legallois may not yet be one of the household names in the line-up, but there’s a quiet buzz around what he could do.
With Cromwell having a strong team this year and McManus already a Grand National-winning owner, could this be the perfect blend of grit, story, and timing?
One thing’s for sure: legends have come from lesser places.
Tactical Road To Aintree
Perceval Legallois’s journey to potential Grand National stardom began humbly. Bred by Mrs Janet Walker, he is by Ballingarry out of Mrs Percival, by Lahib.
His early career showed promise, but it wasn’t until he joined Gavin Cromwell’s yard that he truly began to flourish.
The 2024-2025 season has been a breakthrough for Perceval Legallois. He announced himself as a force to be reckoned with by winning the prestigious Power Chase at Leopardstown on December 27, 2024.
In this fiercely competitive 27-runner handicap, Perceval Legallois stormed home by an impressive seven lengths, showcasing both his stamina and class.
Building on this success, Cromwell made a shrewd move by switching Perceval Legallois back to hurdles for his next outing.
This tactical decision paid off handsomely when he claimed victory in the Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle on February 1, 2025.
These back-to-back wins in major handicaps have catapulted Perceval Legallois into the Grand National conversation. Currently sitting at odds of around 14/1, he’s considered one of the leading contenders for the big race.
Entering His Prime
What makes Perceval Legallois particularly intriguing is his progressive profile.
At eight years old, he’s entering his prime years for a staying chaser. His official rating has steadily climbed, now sitting at a career-high 153 which means he will carry 10-12 for the race.
Incidentally, had he not won a Leopardstown, and gotten the bump in OR as a result, he probably wouldn’t have even made the cut for the Grand National.
Perceval Legallois’s connections are another factor in his favour. Trainer Gavin Cromwell has shown a deft touch with staying chasers, while owner JP McManus is no stranger to Grand National success.
McManus has tasted victory in the race three times – with Don’t Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021), and most recently with I Am Maximus in 2024.
A Winning Duo
The fact that McManus and Cromwell have chosen to target Perceval Legallois at the National, even withdrawing ante-post favourite Inothewayurthinkin, speaks volumes about their confidence in the horse.
However, it’s worth noting that Perceval Legallois will face some challenges at Aintree. He’s yet to race beyond three miles, so the marathon trip of the Grand National will be new territory. Additionally, he’s never tackled the unique Aintree fences before.
Yet, there are reasons for optimism. Horses who excel over three miles at Leopardstown often stay further over fences.
Perceval Legallois’s recent win over hurdles also suggests he has the stamina reserves required for the National.
As we approach the 2025 Grand National, Perceval Legallois stands out as a horse on the up. With his progressive profile, top connections, and recent big-race successes, he has all the ingredients to make a serious impact at Aintree.
While the challenge of the National fences and distance remains an unknown, there’s a growing sense that Perceval Legallois could be the horse to give JP McManus a fourth Grand National victory.
Somewhere up there, Sir Perceval might just be watching, lance swapped for binoculars, willing his namesake over the last at Aintree.
If fate fancies a storyline, this could be it.
BETFRED
