Timing is everything in the Grand National, and Meetingofthewaters might just be getting it spot on.
Trained by the all-conquering Willie Mullins, this likeable chaser has been creeping up the ranks with the kind of form that makes you sit up and take notice.
While others might have peaked too soon or left their best behind, Meetingofthewaters looks to be hitting his stride just when it matters most.
He’s shown he can stay, he can jump, and more importantly, he’s starting to look like a horse who enjoys a battle.
In a race where momentum can carry you a long way, Mullins might just have this one tuned up to perfection.
This eight-year-old gelding, owned by JP McManus, has been steadily building his form and could be peaking at just the right moment for the world’s most famous steeplechase.
On odds of around 25/1, he’s definitely one to watch.
Heading to the Grand National – Again
Since his career began in 2022, he’s shown flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods of development, typical of a horse being carefully managed for long-term success.
The first major victory came in a Listed Handicap Chase at Leopardstown during their 2023 Christmas festival.
This win caught the eye of many in the racing world, demonstrating Meetingofthewaters’ ability to perform at a high level in competitive fields.
However, it was his performance in the 2024 Grand National that really marked him as one to watch.
Despite his relative inexperience, Meetingofthewaters ran a remarkable race, finishing seventh.
Willie Mullins himself noted the horse’s potential, saying, “Last year he was looking almost like the winner coming to the second-last, he was certainly going well within himself.”
The 2024/2025 season has been something of a mixed bag for Meetingofthewaters. He’s had two runs at Leopardstown, finishing down the field in both.
However, these performances should be viewed in the context of Mullins’ training strategy.
The master of Closutton is known for bringing his horses to peak fitness for their target races, and all signs point to the Grand National being the primary goal for Meetingofthewaters this season.
A Lovely Racing Weight
One factor that makes Meetingofthewaters particularly intriguing for the Grand National is his weight allocation.
Unlike his stable mate I Am Maximus who will run off top weight, Meetingofthewaters has a very manageable 10-07 – the same as Rule The World when he won in 2016 and only 2lbs more than Corach Rambler when he won in 2023.
Mullins has expressed enthusiasm about the horse’s chances, noting, “He’s a year older and stronger and he has a lovely racing weight.”
In a race where weight can be crucial, this could give Meetingofthewaters a significant advantage.
A Winning Partnership
The partnership between Willie Mullins and owner JP McManus is one of the most formidable in racing.
At the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, they continued their winning ways, with Mullins equalling his own record by saddling 10 winners.
Among these was the Ryanair Chase with Fact to File, Dinoblue in the Mares Chase both owned by JP McManus. There was also a notable place from Sa Majeste who was third in the Kim Muir.
For the 2025 Grand National, Mullins has a strong hand. Alongside Meetingofthewaters, he’s likely to field last year’s winner I Am Maximus, as well as Capodanno for McManus.
And it doesn’t stop there with other contenders like Nick Rockett, Grangeclare West, Appreciate It and Minella Cocooner all guaranteed a spot in the race for other owners.
However, Meetingofthewaters stands out among these runners due to his combination of experience, improving form, and favourable weight.
Ticking Boxes
Meetingofthewaters has shown a tendency to improve significantly when stepped up in trip, which bodes well for the test of the Grand National.
Moreover, the horse’s running style suits the Grand National perfectly. In his seventh-place finish last year, he was noted for traveling well and only fading late in the race.
With another year of strength and experience under his belt, Meetingofthewaters could well have the stamina to see out the full distance this time around.
It’s also worth noting the significance of the JP McManus connection. The legendary owner has won the Grand National three times, most recently with I Am Maximus in 2024. His decision to keep faith with Meetingofthewaters speaks volumes about the horse’s potential.
As we approach the 2025 Grand National, Meetingofthewaters represents an intriguing prospect.
He combines the tactical acumen of Willie Mullins, the big-race experience of JP McManus, and his own proven ability over the Aintree fences.
While he may not be the most obvious choice on recent form, astute observers know that Mullins excels at having his horses peak for their target races.
In a race as unpredictable as the Grand National, where stamina, jumping ability, and a touch of luck all play crucial roles, Meetingofthewaters has all the ingredients to make a significant impact.
As Willie Mullins himself put it, “He’s one I like.”
Given the trainer’s track record, that endorsement alone makes Meetingofthewaters a horse that no serious racing fan can afford to overlook.
BETFRED
