In the world of horse racing, where big-name trainers often dominate the headlines, Thomas Gibney has emerged as a formidable force in the run-up to Aintree.
The Meath-based trainer has steadily built his reputation over the years and now finds himself at the center of Grand National fever with his star charge, Intense Raffles.
With the withdrawal of Inothewayurthinkin from contention, the new ante-post favourite for the 2025 Grand National, Intense Raffles, has thrust Gibney into the spotlight, showcasing the trainer’s ability to compete with the sport’s elite.
This remarkable journey from a small-scale operation to training a potential National winner is a testament to Gibney’s skill, patience, and eye for talent.
So what are their chances of making history on April 5th, 2025, and how has their impressive record brought them to this point?
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Thomas Gibney: A Rising Star in Irish Racing
Thomas Gibney’s journey in the world of horse racing began long before he took out his trainer’s license in 2006.
Initially making his mark as an amateur jockey, Gibney experienced success in the saddle, with one of his career highlights being a win on the Noel Meade-trained Saving Bond in the GPT Handicap at the Galway Festival in July 1997.
After hanging up his riding boots in 2005, Gibney transitioned to training, setting up his base in Kells, County Meath. While his operation may be smaller in scale compared to powerhouses like Willie Mullins or Gordon Elliott, Gibney has proven that size isn’t everything in the world of horse racing.
Notable Successes
Gibney’s most significant triumph as a trainer came early in his career when Lion Na Bearnai stormed to victory in the 2012 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
This win, achieved with just his fifth runner in the race, immediately put Gibney on the map as a trainer capable of preparing horses for the biggest stages in jump racing.
More recently, Gibney has once again demonstrated his prowess in Ireland’s richest jumps race. In 2024, he saddled Intense Raffles to victory in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
This second success in the prestigious race, coming 12 years after his first, solidified Gibney’s reputation as a trainer with a particular talent for preparing horses for marathon chases.
Intense Raffles: The Ante-Post Favourite
Intense Raffles, a seven-year-old grey son of Martaline, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in National Hunt racing.
Bred by his owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Intense Raffles is out of the Grade 3 Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle winner Une Artiste.
Intense Raffles began his career in France in August 2021, where he won three times, including two victories over hurdles at Auteuil. Two years later, he was transferred to Thomas Gibney’s yard in Ireland, where his career has truly taken off.
Upon joining Gibney’s stable, Intense Raffles was unbeaten in his first three starts, all at Fairyhouse. The pinnacle of his achievements came in the 2024 Irish Grand National, where he demonstrated remarkable courage and stamina to secure victory ahead of Ted Walsh’s Any Second Now.
Why Is Intense Raffles the 2025 Grand National Favourite?
With 67 potential runners still in the running and 34 spots at the starting tape up for grabs, it’s understandable that some would be questioning Intense Raffle’s status as the ante-post favourite.
After all, there are some exceptional runners still in contention, including last year’s winner, I Am Maximus, as well as the Glenfarclas Chase winner, Stumptown, from trainer Gavin Cromwell.
Firstly, his victory in the Irish Grand National showcased his ability to handle the demands of a long-distance chase. This race is often seen as an excellent pointer towards Aintree success, with many Irish National winners going on to perform well in the Grand National.
Secondly, Intense Raffles achieved his Irish National victory at the tender age of six, carrying a substantial weight of 11st 4lb. This performance suggests that he has the potential for significant improvement as he matures, making him an exciting prospect for future staying chases.
The BHA Handicapper gave him just 10-10, which is an incredibly generous weight and, incidentally, is the same weight Noble Yeats won off in 2022 – and he was also seven years old! Coincidence or a chance at history repeating itself??
Lastly, the combination of Intense Raffles’ raw talent and Thomas Gibney’s proven ability to prepare horses for major staying chases makes for a formidable partnership.
Gibney’s success rate in the Irish National (two wins from a limited number of runners) indicates his skill in targeting these prestigious races, and 2025 won’t be any different.
What Are His Chances Of Winning?
While Intense Raffles’ status as ante-post favourite for the 2025 Grand National is well-deserved based on his impressive performances to date, it’s important to have some perspective. The Grand National is notoriously unpredictable, and the winner can come from anywhere in the field.
Intense Raffles certainly has several factors in his favour, and Thomas Gibney’s track record in preparing horses for major staying chases is impressive.
However, there are challenges to consider. The Grand National is longer, with more jumps and a larger field of runners. Intense Raffle’s relative inexperience could show, and while he has shown remarkable ability for his age, only one seven-year-old has won this race since 1940.
Grey runners don’t fare much better, the last winner being Neptune Collonges in 2012, so the combo of both means the horse is really facing an uphill battle.
Despite these challenges, though, Intense Raffles’ potential cannot be underestimated. His impressive performances to date, combined with Thomas Gibney’s expertise and the support of experienced owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, give him a solid foundation for success.
Whether or not it will all come together on the day remains to be seen, but for now, he is the one to beat.
