In a race as unpredictable as the Grand National, it helps to have a bit of luck—and Three Card Brag might just be holding the right hand.
Trained by Gordon Elliott, who knows exactly what it takes to win at Aintree, this horse has shown flashes of real promise and now gets his chance to shine on the biggest stage of all.
With a name that sounds like it belongs in a smoky card room, Three Card Brag is hoping to bluff, charge, and outstay the lot when the chips are down.
Elliott has a strong team heading to the 2025 Grand National, but this one could be the surprise package.
If the cards fall right, don’t be shocked if he’s still in the game coming to the last.
While his odds currently sit at 25/1, there’s a compelling case to be made for why Three Card Brag deserves serious attention.
A Story of Progress
Three Card Brag’s journey began under the careful stewardship of trainer Gordon Elliott, one of the most accomplished names in National Hunt racing.
Bred by Roland Rothwell in Ireland, he is sired by Jet Away out of Belon Breeze, a pedigree that suggests stamina and staying power, qualities essential for the Aintree course.
His career statistics reflect steady progress. Though not the most experienced chaser having a go this year, he has seven runs over fences winning two and placing in another three.
Three Card Brag first caught attention as a novice hurdler in 2022. His maiden victory at Galway showcased his potential, and he followed it up with respectable performances in graded races.
Transitioning to fences in 2023, Three Card Brag faced challenges but showed promise. He finished third behind Spillane’s Tower in a Grade 1 chase at Punchestown and later chased home Monty’s Star and Corbetts Cross in beginners’ chases.
These performances marked him as a horse capable of competing against elite opposition.
Season So Far: Building Momentum
The 2024-25 season has been pivotal for Three Card Brag. After a mixed start, he delivered an emphatic victory in January at Navan in a beginners’ chase over three miles—a distance that suits him perfectly.
Under jockey Danny Gilligan, he put in a solid round of jumping and stayed on strongly to beat Kinturk Kalanisi by nearly three lengths. This performance confirmed his credentials as a stayer and earned him an entry into the Grand National picture.
Trainer Gordon Elliott has expressed confidence in Three Card Brag’s ability to tackle Aintree’s demanding course:
“He’s always been a good jumper and stays forever,” Elliott remarked earlier this year.
With stamina being one of his standout qualities, Elliott plans to send him fresh into the National, a strategy that has worked well for many past winners.
The Owners: A Passionate Partnership
Three Card Brag is owned jointly by Patrick & Scott Bryceland and the McNeill Family – two partnerships known for their dedication to National Hunt racing.
This ownership group brings not only financial backing but also deep enthusiasm for the sport. They also own Where It All Began, another entry but one unlikely to get a place. Instead he’ll be pointed at the Irish Grand National.
The McNeill family, on their own, also own Threeunderthrufive who runs for trainer Paul Nicholls in the race this year. So they have two bites at the cherry!
Why Three Card Brag Could Shine at Aintree
I don’t necessarily think that Three Card Brag could win the Grand National but several factors do make him an intriguing contender.
Stamina: His pedigree and performances over three miles suggest he can handle the marathon distance of four miles and two furlongs at Aintree.
Jumping Ability: Consistently solid jumping is critical for navigating Aintree’s unique fences like Becher’s Brook and The Chair. Three Card Brag has shown reliability in this department throughout his career.
Trainer Expertise: Gordon Elliott is no stranger to Grand National glory and trained Tiger Roll to two consecutive wins (2018 and 2019). His experience with preparing horses for this race adds another layer of confidence.
Improving Form: While not yet a headline-grabber this season, Three Card Brag’s recent performances indicate he is peaking at just the right time.
Handicap Mark: Rated at 145, he appears well-handicapped compared to some of his rivals.
Set to carry a weight of just 10-05, it’s a significant advantage over some of his rivals and he could outperform expectations.
A Case Worth Considering
Three Card Brag may not be among the favourites heading into Aintree on April 5th, but that could work in his favour.
Horses with understated profiles often thrive under less pressure while offering excellent value for bettors.
With proven stamina, solid jumping ability, and Gordon Elliott’s expert guidance, Three Card Brag has all the tools needed to make an impact on Grand National day.
As we count down to one of racing’s most thrilling spectacles, keep an eye on this eight-year-old gelding who could very well play the winning hand for Gordon Elliott at Aintree.
BETFRED
