As the 2025 Grand National approaches, one name garnering attention is Vanillier, a 10-year-old grey runner trained by Gavin Cromwell and owned by Mrs. H. M. Keaveney.
With a blend of experience and notable performances, Vanillier presents a compelling case as a serious contender in this year’s Aintree spectacle.
A Look Back at Vanillier’s Career
Vanillier’s journey began in France, foaled on April 4, 2015, by sire Martaline out of dam Virgata.
His racing career took off under the guidance of Gavin Cromwell, marking significant milestones along the way.
In March 2021, Vanillier showcased his potential by winning the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
This victory highlighted his stamina and ability to compete at a high level. Transitioning to chasing, he continued to demonstrate promise, notably finishing second in the 2023 Grand National, just 2¼ lengths behind the winner, Corach Rambler.
Two Previous Grand National Runs
Vanillier’s familiarity with the Grand National course is a significant asset.
His runner-up finish in 2023 provided invaluable experience over Aintree’s challenging fences.
In the 2024 Grand National, he finished 14th, facing softer ground conditions that may have impacted his performance.
These experiences have likely contributed to his development and preparedness for the 2025 race.
How He’s Doing So Far
The current season has seen Vanillier in action multiple times. Notably, on February 3, 2025, he secured a commanding victory in a 3m1f chase at Punchestown, winning by 18 lengths on heavy ground.
This performance demonstrated his enduring stamina and adaptability. Following this, he placed third in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham on March 12, 2025, finishing 8¼ lengths behind the winner, Stumptown.
Trainer Profile
Gavin Cromwell’s trajectory in the racing world is noteworthy. Transitioning from a career as a farrier to a full-time trainer, Cromwell has achieved significant success in both National Hunt and Flat racing.
His training portfolio includes notable victories such as the Champion Hurdle win with Espoir D’Allen and back-to-back Stayers’ Hurdle wins with Flooring Porter.
Despite these accomplishments, a Grand National victory remains elusive, adding motivation to Vanillier’s 2025 campaign.
Assessing His 2025 Grand National Prospects
Vanillier goes into the 2025 Grand National with several factors working in his favour.
At 10 years old, he is right in the age range where many past Grand National winners have come from.
More importantly, he has already shown he can handle the unique test that Aintree offers.
His second-place finish in the 2023 Grand National was one of the strongest performances of his career, and although he finished well down the field in 2024, that race was run on particularly testing ground which didn’t suit many of his rivals.
His recent win at Punchestown in February 2025—by an impressive 18 lengths on heavy ground—proves he’s still in form and capable of a big run when conditions are right.
That was followed up with a solid third place in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, again behind stablemate Stumptown.
These performances suggest that Vanillier is being carefully prepared for another crack at Aintree and that connections are targeting this race as the big goal.
Trained by Gavin Cromwell, who is still chasing his first Grand National victory, and owned by the committed Mrs. H. M. Keaveney, Vanillier looks like a horse with genuine credentials.
He’s been here before, he’s got a trainer who knows how to win top races, and he’s showing form at the right time.
If things fall right on the day, Vanillier could be one of the leading players in this year’s race.
Should You Back Him?
If you’re thinking of having a flutter on the Grand National, Vanillier might just be your horse.
He’s got the experience, he’s got the stamina, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love cheering on a big grey thundering over those famous fences?
He came so close in 2023, and with a couple of strong runs this season, he’s clearly not done yet.
Backed by a trainer who knows how to win the big ones (just not this one… yet), and carrying the hopes of owner Mrs H. M. Keaveney, Vanillier could easily go one better this time.
Plus, if he wins, you get to tell everyone you backed the grey—always a crowd-pleaser.
BETFRED
