Paul O’Brien is set to take the reins on Stay Away Fay in the 2025 Grand National, and it could be one of the most eye-catching partnerships of the race.
Trained by Paul Nicholls, who’s still chasing that second National win, Stay Away Fay is a classy customer with a big engine – and now he’s got a cool, confident jockey in the saddle.
It’s a big stage, but O’Brien isn’t one to shy away from a challenge.
With Fay’s proven stamina and Paul O’Brien’s sharp racecraft, this could be a pairing that causes a few surprises at Aintree.
It’s not the flashiest combo in the field—but it might just be one of the smartest.
A Career Built on Promise
Stay Away Fay first rose to prominence in 2023 when he claimed victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
In a chaotic renewal of the race, Stay Away Fay powered home under Harry Cobden to secure a one-length win over Affordable Fury.
Nicholls praised him as a “young, improving horse” with “loads of improvement to come” after only his third career run.
Transitioning to chasing later that year, Stay Away Fay made an impressive debut over fences at Exeter in November 2023, winning the Future Stars Silver Bowl Novices’ Chase.
He then followed it up with a win at Sandown but unfortunately his form has dipped a lot since…
Recent Form: A Mixed Bag
He has really struggled in the last 12 months and pulled up in several high-profile races during 2024, including at Cheltenham and the Scottish National.
But, he finished the season, had wind surgery in July, and returned to hopefully regain some of his past form.
It started off rocky enough when he pulled up at Wincanton, but did improve last time out at Cheltenham, where he finished 11th in the Ultima.
This inconsistency has raised questions about his suitability for the demanding Grand National course. Critics point to his recent form figures – P, P, P, 0 – as evidence that he may not be in peak condition heading into Aintree.
However, supporters argue that the unique test posed by the National fences could rejuvenate him.
Long Odds For An Each Way Flutter
Despite his recent struggles, Stay Away Fay is still a really great horse with proven stamina.
His Albert Bartlett win demonstrated his ability to stay three miles—a critical factor for the Grand National’s tough 4¼-mile trip.
We know he can jump and his early chase performances showed he can handle fences with confidence.
Paul Nicholls is one of the most successful trainers in National Hunt racing history, having won the Grand National with Neptune Collonges in 2012.
Given that he was happy to send no runners to the Grand National since 2021, you know he only saddles the ones he genuinely thinks have a chance.
Stay Away Fay fits several key trends associated with Grand National winners in that he’s an eight-year-old second-season chaser who has shown form over extended distances.
And Nicholls thinks he has a chance!
Jockey Drama: From Frost to Burke to O’Brien
The lead-up to this year’s Grand National has been eventful for Stay Away Fay’s connections.
Initially, Bryony Frost was booked to ride the horse, given her familiarity with him from her time riding in France.
However, Frost had to withdraw due to commitments with her French employers Simon Munir and Isaac Souede (also owners of Intense Raffles).
Paul Nicholls then turned to Jonathan Burke, a Grade One-winning jockey with Grand National experience.
Burke was scheduled to school Stay Away Fay earlier this week but ultimately bowed out after being booked to ride Minella Cocooner for Willie Mullins.
The ride has now gone to Paul O’Brien, who will be tasked with navigating Stay Away Fay through one of racing’s toughest tests.
There have been countless stories in the past where a jockey was booked and couldn’t ride or got injured, only for the replacement to win – can it happen again in 2025?
Challenges Ahead
Grand National runners with long odds, including Stay Away Fay at around 66/1, face several obstacles.
In this case, his lackluster performances this season raise doubts about whether he can rediscover his best form.
The field includes strong contenders at the top of the betting markets who have been carefully prepared for this race. That doesn’t rule him out; it just makes the task a little more difficult.
The Grand National fences are notoriously challenging so he’s going to need to seriously raise his game to get around the course.
Will He Stay The Course?
Stay Away Fay may not be among the favourites for this year’s Randox Grand National, but dismissing him entirely would be premature.
His pedigree, past achievements, and Nicholls’ expertise suggest he has untapped potential.
With Paul O’Brien now aboard and Aintree’s unique test ahead, this could be an opportunity for Stay Away Fay to defy expectations and make headlines once again.
For racing fans looking beyond obvious contenders, Stay Away Fay offers an intriguing mix of promise and unpredictability, a combination that has often produced memorable moments in Grand National history.
BETFRED
