Gordon Elliott Lifts The Lid On His Irish Grand National Runners, Saying One Is The “Class Act In The Race”

We can expect to see a stack of Gordon Elliott Irish Grand National runners for Ireland’s richest jumps race this Easter Monday – but which entries does the Co Meath handler think hold the best chance in the Fairyhouse contest in 2025?

Gordon Elliott Thinks Better Days Ahead Is His Irish Grand National Runner “Class Act”

Ahead of Easter Monday’s 2025 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse it’s looking likely the Gordon Elliott-trained BETTER DAYS AHEAD will have to shoulder top-weight of with a mark of 154.

However, despite his big burden – the 2024 Martin Pipe Hurdle winner at the Cheltenham Festival – has been described by this trainer Gordon Elliott as the “Class Act in the Race” – and has also said the Irish Grand National has been the plan ever since coming third in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham last time out.

Elliott has also said any rain between now and Easter Monday wouldn’t be unwelcome, but is still hoping the ground will be suitable and if so would have a great chance.

Better Days Ahead is currently around 12/1 in the Irish Grand National market, behind NH Chase winner Haiti Couleurs for British trainer Rebecca Curtis.

He’s the shortest-priced of the Gordon Elliott runners in 2025 at this stage.

Those against Elliott’s Better Days Ahead might look to his big weight -as the Irish Grand National trends tell us 18 of the last 21 winners carried 10st 13lbs or less. While only five winners since 1996 have won with 11st 1lb or more.

Gordon Elliott said about Better Day Ahead

“Once the ground is safe, Better Days Ahead definitely runs,” Elliott said. “He’s the class horse in the race, if you ask me, and this has been the plan since Cheltenham.

“He would want a bit more rain, though. Every drop of rain that falls will help him and I really hope the ground will be suitable for him as I think he’d have a great chance in it.

“He ran well at Cheltenham and ideally he might have preferred a bit of softer ground there, but he wasn’t beaten far and was bang there up the straight. I was happy with him. 

“He’s a very good horse and I think the trip and the track will really suit him in the Irish National. I’m looking forward to it, once the ground is safe.”

WATCH: Better Days Ahead Running Third In The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival

Better Days Ahead Horse Profile

Gordon Elliott Irish Grand National Runners 2025

If Will Do Gets Into The Race, Gordon Elliott Thinks He’ll Run Well Too

Another Gordon Elliott Irish Grand National runner that the top Irish handler thinks will run well is WILL DO – but he needs several to still come out of the race to get in.

Will Do runs in the Gigginstown House Stud colours, who provided Elliott with a win in the race in 2018 with General Principle.

He was last seen running on to take third in the NH Chase at the Cheltenham Festival – beaten only 5 1/2 lengths behind Haiti Couleurs (watch below).

Prior to that run Will Do ran second at Punchestown in the Grand National Trial back on 20th February.

“I’d love Will Do to sneak in. He needs a few to come out, but if he did sneak himself into the race he’s the sort of horse I could see running well in it. He stays well,” Said Gordon Elliott

Elliott could also have Favori De Champdou in the race, who fell 12 months ago two out when beaten at the time.

WATCH: Will Do Running Third In The NH Chase at the Cheltenham Festival

2025 Irish Grand National Race Info

📅Date: Monday 21st April 2025
⌚Time: 5:00pm
🏇Racecourse: Fairyhouse
🔄Trip: 3m 5f
💷Winner: €270,000
📺 TV: ITV4 / RTE

How Many Times Has Gordon Elliott Won The Irish Grand National?

Surprisingly, Gordon Elliott has only won the Irish Grand National once before.

This win came in 2018 with General Principle, with jockey JJ Slevin doing the steering.

JJ Slevin also rode the winner 12 months ago, when he guided Intense Raffles to victory.

Elliott had last year’s fourth Frontal Assault and in 2023 saddled Gevrey to be second and Defi Bleu to be third.

Similar to Gordon Elliott, Willie Mullins has only won the Irish National twice – less than most would think.

These came with Burrows Saint and I Am Maximus. But having already won the Aintree and Scottish Nationals this year any Willie Mullins Irish National runner is sure to be well supported.

Irish Grand National Winners (Last 10 Runnings)

WATCH: INTENSE RAFFLES Winning The Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in 2024