The Irish Grand National follows hot on the heels of the Aintree equivalent and always has a stacked field of horses who either missed out on the Aintree spectacular or have been plotted for months to arrive cherry ripe for the richest Jumps race in Ireland.
betting approach for casual and experienced punters
Decide in advance whether you are backing for a win or an each-way result and size stakes proportionately, remembering that large fields produce volatile outcomes. If you choose to bet, spread risk across a small number of well-researched selections and consider including a single longer-priced runner for coverage without inflating your overall stake.
Responsible staking: a plain guide to sensible bets
Set a fixed budget for race day and never chase losses, with a recommended stake that is affordable and reflects the speculative nature of the event. Use bookmaker features such as bet limits or self-exclusion tools if you feel your betting is becoming problematic and seek help from gambling support services if needed.
Which betting markets to watch and why they matter
Owners of detailed form knowledge often monitor the win, each-way, forecast and tricast markets alongside novelty wagers such as first fence fallers for entertainment value, but practical research should focus on win and each-way markets for value and clarity. Exchange markets can be useful for gauging market confidence but remember that liquidity varies and exchange positions can change quickly as markets react to news.
Using bookmakers and comparison tools responsibly
Compare prices and terms across operators to find the best available odds, but avoid selecting a bookmaker solely on sign-up offers; consider overall market depth, in-running provision and fair terms. You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly, and remember to only register and bet if you are 18 or over.
In-play considerations and race-day information sources
In-play betting demands fast information; monitor official course updates, jockey and stable declarations and live commentary rather than relying on social speculation. Make a plan for how you will respond to in-running scenarios and keep stakes modest if you decide to engage after the off.
How to read the form book and spot value propositions
Look beyond finishing positions to the style of a horse’s last run, the race tempo, sectional times where available and whether a run was encumbered by a bad position or an interruption. Value often appears when a horse is returning to a suitable track or trip with a positive change in headgear or a jockey switch that complements its running style.
Health, welfare and safety considerations for owners and punters
Horse welfare is paramount; check veterinary withdrawals, official declarations and steward reports prior to wagering, and respect any announcements about a horse’s wellbeing. Avoid backing horses where there are unresolved concerns about fitness or safety, and note that racing authorities prioritise equine welfare and stewarding on race day.
All content is intended for readers aged 18 and over and is provided for information only; betting should be undertaken only if you are 18+. If you have concerns about gambling, consider using self-limits or contact a support organisation for confidential advice.
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Frequently asked questions about the Irish Grand National
Can I bet on the Irish Grand National online in the UK?
Yes, UK-based punters aged 18+ can place bets with licensed bookmakers who offer markets on the Irish Grand National, but ensure you use operators regulated for the UK market and check terms before placing a wager.
How important is weight when analysing the Irish Grand National?
Weight is a significant factor in long-distance handicaps and top-weighted runners face a tougher task, so weigh recent performances carried under similar burdens when assessing a horse’s chance rather than relying on rating alone.
Do younger chasers stand a chance against older stayers in this race?
Yes, lightly-raced younger chasers can progress and outrun their odds, particularly when stepping up in trip and targeted by their trainers, but they must show clear stamina and jumping ability to be competitive over the full distance.
What role does the going (ground) play in the outcome?
The going can dramatically affect race shape and finishing speed, with heavy ground increasing the stamina test and favouring proven stayers; always check the official going report and adjust your assessment accordingly.
Are each-way bets a sensible option for a race like this?
Each-way bets can offer balanced exposure in large fields where more horses have a realistic chance of placing, but calculate the true value by considering likely finishing positions, field size and bookmaker terms before staking.
How should I use bookmaker comparison tools responsibly?
Use comparison tools to check odds, terms and novel market features, but avoid chasing marginal price differences with larger stakes; focus on safe staking and treat comparisons as an informational aid rather than an encouragement to increase betting activity.
What should I do if I feel my gambling is becoming a problem?
If you are worried about your gambling, stop betting immediately and seek help from UK support services such as GamCare or use self-exclusion and deposit limit tools available from operators; help is available and confidential.
A bumper crowd is expected at the County Meath racecourse after coronavirus restrictions meant racegoers were not allowed to pack the grandstands for last year’s renewal when Freewheelin Dylan was a shock 150/1 winner.
Since the year 2000 only Our Duke has carried more than eleven stone to success in this contest and if that pattern is to continue a fair few at the top of the market can be discounted.
Time To Get Up won the 2021 Midlands National and has returned with excellent efforts in marathon handicaps in Britain. With few miles on the clock, he has all the qualities to win an Irish National and gets the vote. Gaillard du Mesnil got no luck at Cheltenham and has been beaten by L’Homme Presse, Galopin Des Champs and Bob Olinger in his last few races; however, he was not disgraced in any of those performances and the fact he is the chosen mount of Paul Townend speaks volumes about stable confidence. At 13/2, however, and with a big weight to carry it’s yet to be seen if he has what it takes to go all the way.
Henry De Bromhead’s Full Time Score is another lightly-raced chaser who also ticks plenty of the right boxes; and with Rachael Blackmore in the saddle, there’s a lot to like about this horse.
His performance last time out when beating Discorama by a length at this same track was impressive and the way he saw out his race indicated there would be no problem with this marathon trip. Still only an eight year old and very lightly raced he has the right profile for this contest and with Blackmore’s mount available at 4/1 he is a strong each-way selection.
Farclas is also on the shortlist with plenty of things to like about him. He was taken out of the Aintree Grand National and so connections will have high hopes he can justify that decision with a big performance here. Of the others, Death Duty was pulled up at Aintree last Saturday, Samcro was the same and Run Wild Fred fell and they’re all worth taking a look at ahead of tomorrow.
Runners and Odds
1. Franco de Port (Willie Mullins/ Jack Foley (5)) – 13/2
Good efforts in valuable staying handicaps the last twice, 15½ lengths fourth of 12 to Diol Ker in Leinster National at Naas (24.6f, heavy) 36 days ago. Big effort needed to defy top weight.
2. Battleoverdoyen (Gordon Elliott/ Pat Taaffe (7)) – 16/1
Eight wins from 19 NH runs. Little impact in competitive handicap company this season, well held in Topham at Aintree 10 days ago. Not sure to stay and hard to fancy.
3. Run Wild Fred (Gordon Elliott/ Rob James (7)) – 9/2
Very smart chaser who is much improved since fitted with blinkers, second in this last year (off 15 lb lower) before winning hot 3m Navan handicap in November. Good run in NH Chase at Cheltenham but fell early in the Grand National. Amateur won the Scottish version and is excellent value.
4. Gaillard du Mesnil (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) – 2/1
Runner-up in 2021 Ballymore Hurdle and placed again in the Broadway back at the Festival 33 days ago, not getting a fair shake of the dice. While he’s yet to win over fences he’s all class and has unfinished business as a stayer. Novices do well in this and he has a big shout on handicap debut.
5. Mount Ida (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) – 6/1
Remarkable winner of the Kim Muir at last year’s Cheltenham Festival and has scored twice in mares’ races this term. Ran a stinker when fancied in Grade 2 back at Cheltenham though and got no further than the first at Aintree in cheekpieces 9 days ago.
6. Ronald Pump (Matthew Smith/ Liam McKenna (7)) – 6/1
Course winner. 9/1, good ½-length second of 12 to Diol Ker in Leinster National at Naas (24.6f, heavy) 36 days ago, sticking to task. Nudged up 5 lb but got to enter calculations.
7. Farclas (Gordon Elliott/ Shane Fitzgerald (5)) – 4/1
Has held his form really well in big-field handicaps, chasing home stablemate Run Wild Fred at Navan when last seen in November. Saved for this rather than Aintree (non-stayer there last year) and looks the pick of the Elliott battalion.
8. Early Doors (Joseph O’Brien/ J. J. Slevin) – 7/1
Useful hurdler/chaser (won the 2019 Martin Pipe and 2020 Galway Plate). 18¼ lengths fifth of 6 to Sizing Pottsie in Webster Cup Chase (40/1) at Navan 37 days ago. Might have a bigger effort in him if he stays.
9. Enjoy d’Allen (Ciaran Murphy/ Conor Orr) – 9/2
Dual chase winner last season (including here) and been holding his own in some big handicaps since, third in this off 6 lb lower 12 months ago. Bought by J.P.McManus ahead of a National tilt but got no further than the first at Aintree. Can’t be ignored.
10. Samcro (Gordon Elliott/ Niall Moore (7)) – 16/1
Dual Cheltenham Festival winner in his pomp but is a shadow of his former self these days, failing to see his races out following his May Killarney win, including in the Grand National 9 days ago. Another of the colossal Elliott challenge.
11. Diol Ker (Noel Meade/ Bryan Cooper) – 11/2
7/2, career best when winning 12-runner Leinster National handicap at Naas (24.6f, heavy) 36 days ago by ½ length from Ronald Pump, battling well. 10 lb higher now but shapes as if he’ll stay and got to be respected.
12. Screaming Colours (William Durkan/ Jamie Codd) – 7/1
Course winner and a remarkable success story over these past 2 years, both in terms of consistency and progressive form, improving again to win 18-runner Midlands National at Uttoxeter after 5 months off 30 days ago, easily coming clear. Big ask to back that up but it’s certainly possible.
13. Off You Go (Charles Brynes/ Aidan Coleman) – 13/2
Fair sixth in this last year after winning valuable Leopardstown handicap and presumably this has been the aim. Well held again behind Full Time Score here 68 days ago. Cheekpieces go on first time.
14. Death Duty (Gordon Elliott/ Sam Ewing) – 17/2
Grade 1 winner as a novice chaser and back to his best this season, winning Punchestown handicap in February before a good run behind younger rivals in handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. Going smoothly when unseating first Canal Turn in the National 9 days ago. Should stay and one to consider.
15. Max Flamingo (Francis Casey/ Denis O’Regan) – 4/1
Won a handicap hurdle at this meeting last year and off the mark over fences in 4-runner beginners event at Thurles (22f, good to soft) 30 days ago, cosily. Plenty of support in the betting for him for this in the meantime, looking just the type to go well if he stays. Interesting.
16. Fakir d’Alene (Gordon Elliott/ Harry Swan (7)) – 13/2
3 wins from 8 runs this season, making a good start over fences. Ran well in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham under this rider 32 days ago and one of the more likely winners from the Gordon Elliott team if he stays.
17. Velvet Elvis (Thomas Gibney/ Darragh O’Keeffe) – 13/2
Career best when winning 11-runner handicap chase (17/2) at Navan (24f, heavy) 37 days ago, well on top finish. Up 10 lb but longer trip will suit and interesting for 2012-winning stable.
18. School Boy Hours (Noel Meade/ Sean Flanagan) – 9/2
Plenty of good runs over fences before putting it all together on his return in hot Leopardstown handicap at Christmas. Not had a fair crack in either the Kim Muir or Grand National since and could figure if keeping the mistakes down.
19. Floueur (Gordon Elliott/ Jordan Gainford) – 7/1
No match for Galopin des Champs before opening chase account in 21f maiden here in January. Fine run behind Death Duty in Punchestown handicap next time but well held in Cheltenham Festival handicap 34 days ago (lost shoe). Stays and could bounce back with a big run.
20. Ten Ten (Philip Dempsey/ Mark Walsh) – 17/2
Good efforts in second completed starts this season, including in handicap hurdle at this course (19.8f, soft) 51 days ago, better placed than most. Should stay back over fences but others far more persuasive for all Walsh is up.
21. Lieutenant Command (Noel Meade/ Eoin Walsh (5)) – 15/2
Off the mark in maiden chase here (21f) in November. Better effort since and looked set to go close when unseating rider 2 out in Naas novice handicap 50 days ago. Still lightly raced and could have a bigger performance in him if he stays.
22. Aramax (Gordon Elliott/ Luke Dempsey) – 14/1
Former Fred Winter winner and a course winner but ran poorly in Munster National at Limerick when last seen in October, jumping none too fluently and well held. Plenty to prove on first start for 6 months.
23. Frontal Assault (Gordon Elliott/ Jack Kennedy) – 7/1
Dual hurdles winner shaping up well over fences before a poor run in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham 32 days ago. Should prove to be a stayer but needs a revival in change of headgear.
24. Time To Get Up (Jonjo O’Neill/ Robbie Power) – 9/2
Progressive novice chaser, readily landing the Midlands National at Uttoxeter. Interrupted campaign this term, but lots to like about his runs at Haydock and back again at Uttoxeter (first-time cheekpieces) the last twice. Well worth considering under rider with pretty good record in this.
25. Champagne Platinum (Enda Bolger/ Simon Torrens) – 15/2
Off the mark over fences at Navan (3m) in January. Didn’t jump great when well held behind Diol Ker in Leinster National at Naas 36 days ago. Headgear back on. Needs more.
26. Full Time Score (Henry de Bromhead/ Rachael Blackmore) – 4/1
Big step forward when landing 23.8f contest here 2 months ago (good form). Unexposed, not least as a stayer, and lots to like up in trip (top yard’s only runner in the race).
27. Mister Fogpatches (Pat Fahy/ Danny Mullins) – 6/1
Punchestown winner over 31f last spring having finished third in the Scottish National. Another good run in valuable handicaps in the Kim Muir 32 days ago and interesting in first-time cheekpieces.
28. Streets of Doyen (John McConnell/ Brian Hayes) – 33/1
Off the mark over fences at Galway last summer but has largely struggled since, including at Cheltenham 33 days ago, and this surely too tough in re-fitted cheekpieces.
29. Lord Lariat (Dermot McLoughlin/ Patrick O’Hanlon (7)) – 22/1
Course winner and useful chaser. Not disgraced behind Full Time Score here (4/1) 68 days ago but looks handicapped to the hilt up in trip.
30. Smoking Gun (Gordon Elliott/ Kevin Sexton) – 12/1
Best runs this season have been here, landing a good prize over C&D in November. Well held in the Kim Muir 32 days ago and has work to do.
31. Scoir Mear (Thomas Mullins/ Reserve)
Faded when going for repeat in Leinster National won by Diol Ker 36 days ago, that his first run over fences since last spring. Eighth in this last year but much lower in the weights this time round. RESERVE.
32. Definite Plan (Gordon Elliott/ Reserve)
Poor since winning 25f Cheltenham handicap chase in October, again looking devoid of confidence at times at Downpatrick 29 days ago, Tough to fancy. RESERVE.
33. Alfa Mix (Gavin Cromwell/ Reserve)
Dual winning chaser who has matched that form just once over fences. Pulled up in Leinster National 36 days ago and some feat if he were to break his duck over fences in this. Blinkers go on. RESERVE.
The Irish Grand National 2022 takes place at 5pm on Monday, April 18. It’s the big race on the third and final day of the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse.
Fairyhouse Irish Grand National: Race Preview and Guide
This expanded guide complements the race preview above by outlining form patterns, betting market considerations and practical pointers for anyone researching the Irish Grand National, with a focus on responsible, 18+ only information and analysis. Please read the responsible gambling advice in the sections below and remember that all betting involves risk and that past form is not a guarantee of future results.
How to assess contenders and betting markets safely
Begin with form over similar distances and in big-field handicaps, placing weight of evidence on recent staying performances, trainer intent and whether a horse has been saved for this particular target. Use the market as a temperature check rather than an instruction, check jockey bookings and absenteeism, and avoid staking more than you can afford to lose.
Key horses to consider based on recent marathon form
Horses that have proved they can handle three miles plus on testing ground and in large fields deserve close attention, and the likes of Time To Get Up, Full Time Score and Farclas fit that profile well from the earlier preview. Look for progressive form over long distances and consider younger, lightly-raced chasers that may have improvement in them when stepping up in trip.
Understanding weight, age and stamina in National races
Weight carried in the Irish Grand National is frequently a decisive factor, with heavy burdens typically reducing winning chances; note that since 2000 only one horse has won carrying more than eleven stone. Age plays a role too, as seasoned stayers often have the necessary experience but unexposed younger chasers can outrun their odds if they stay the trip and handle big fields.
Why top weights rarely win the Irish Grand National
Top weights meet a relentless stamina test and the combination of carrying high weight and negotiating many fences often blunts finishing power late in the race. When assessing horses near the top of the handicap, factor in whether they have shown the ability to carry similar weights over comparable distances in recent months.
Young chasers and the advantage of being unexposed
Unexposed chasers can add weight to their claims through improvement rather than raw rating, especially where they are stepping up in trip and have been placed for a specific long-distance target. Examine career starts for signs of upward trajectories and suitability to heavy ground if the forecast suggests testing conditions.
Course, ground and race distance factors to weigh up
Fairyhouse has unique characteristics and the Irish Grand National route requires accurate jumping, a high cruising speed and the ability to handle ground that can range from good to heavy during the Easter meeting. Horses with course experience or proven ability on similar tracks and under similar conditions should be given extra consideration in your research.
What heavy ground does to finish and stamina tests
Heavy going amplifies stamina demands and often brings finishing speed to the fore later in the race, favouring horses with a proven staying pedigree and those who have run well on deep ground previously. Verify recent runs on soft or heavy surfaces and be wary of horses stepping up noticeably in trip without prior stamina evidence.
Trainer and jockey trends relevant to big handicaps
Top stable form and astute jockey bookings can be a meaningful edge in large-field handicaps; trainers who target the race with a single runner often have that horse primed for peak performance. Likewise, jockeys who have previously ridden well in marathon handicaps or who partner mares and novice chasers with proven staying power can swing an each-way investment.
How to interpret the official ratings and handicap marks
Rather than relying on raw ratings alone, assess how horses have performed off similar marks in comparable races and identify those who have been handily placed by a trainer or dropped into an attractive mark for this renewal. Adjust expectations for improvers and novices moving into open handicap company, where allowances and inexperience can both help and hinder.
