Inothewayurthinkin’s Historic Bid for a Cheltenham Gold Cup-Grand National Double
4 minutes Having already dethroned Galopin Des Champs to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the focus now turns to Aintree and whether he can create history once again.
The 2025 Grand National is shaping up to be one of the most compelling renewals in recent history, with Cheltenham Festival star Inothewayurthinkin attempting to become the first horse since 1934 and win both the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same year. The only horse to achieve this historic double was Golden Miller and for nearly a century, the unique demands of both races have made it an almost impossible feat.
However, Inothewayurthinkin, trained by Gavin Cromwell, could be ready to break that long-standing record. Having already dethroned Galopin Des Champs to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the focus may now turn to Aintree and whether he will attempt to create history once again.
The Challenge of the Grand National
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the blue riband of jump racing and winning the contest requires both speed and stamina against the best in the division. However, the Grand National, contested over one mile further, is an entirely different proposition. Run over 4 miles and 2 1⁄2 furlongs with 30 fences, the unique demands of this 40-runner steeplechase makes doubling up with the Gold Cup a monumental task for even the most talented horses.
Many Gold Cup winners have tried and failed to follow up at Aintree, largely due to the extreme handicap conditions of the National. Garrison Savannah came closest back in 1991, finishing second in the Grand National a month after winning the Gold Cup. L’Escargot managed to win both races but not in the same year. The 1975 Grand National winner won the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice in 1970 and 1971.
Handicaps and Weights: A Major Factor
One key factor in Inothewayurthinkin’s favour is his favourable handicap mark for the Grand National. Given that weights for the race were assigned in February, well before the Cheltenham Festival, Inothewayurthinkin will carry just 11st 5lbs - some 7lbs below top weight and defending champion, I Am Maximus.
Most leading horse racing betting sites installed seven-year-old Inothewayurthinkin as favourite for the Grand National when he was allocated a rating of 160 last month and his recent Gold Cup triumph means he is likely to be about a stone well in if he lines up at Aintree.
Proven Aintree Form
Inothewayurthinkin is no stranger to Aintree and featured at last year’s Grand National meeting when landing the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices' Chase in convincing fashion. Friday’s opening race was contested over 3m1f with Inothewayurthinkin finishing five lengths clear of Iroko.
No Grand National Decision Expected This Week
Inothewayurthinkin’s owner JP McManus is yet to make a decision on whether to run his newly-crowned Gold Cup winner in the Grand National. Speaking after his Cheltenham success, McManus commented, “We'll savour today and see. The Gold Cup is a tough race and I have to look at what would be fair to the horse. I'll see what Gavin [trainer Gavin Cromwell] says, but don't expect a decision in the next week."
Cromwell also distanced himself from committing to a Grand National tilt, adding “I really don't know. I really don't know. I suppose you can't rule it out but we'll enjoy today. I suppose it's a conversation that we'll have with JP and Frank [Berry, McManus' racing manager]. I suppose you can't rule it out but we'll enjoy today."
With or without Inothewayurthinkin, JP McManus will head to Aintree with a formidable team. I Am Maximus adorned the famous green and gold silks when winning last year’s Grand National and he will almost certainly be back again next month. Iroko features prominently in the betting whilst McManus could also be represented by the likes of Meetingofthewaters, Perceval Legallois and Capodanno.
Grand National Weights & Odds
| Grand Nation Winner Odds | Age | Weight | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| I Am Maximus | 9 | 11-12 | 10/1 |
| Royale Pagaille | 11 | 11-9 | 66/1 |
| Nick Rockett | 8 | 11-8 | 12/1 |
| L'Homme Presse | 10 | 11-8 | 50/1 |
| Envoi Allen | 11 | 11-8 | 66/1 |
| Grangeclare West | 9 | 11-8 | 20/1 |
| Hewick | 10 | 11-7 | 25/1 |
| Inothewayurthinkin | 7 | 11-5 | 3/1 |
| Gentlemansgame | 9 | 11-5 | 14/1 |
| Monty's Star | 8 | 11-5 | 16/1 |
| Minella Indo | 12 | 11-3 | 50/1 |
| Appreciate It | 11 | 11-2 | 66/1 |
| Capodanno | 9 | 11-2 | 66/1 |
| Minella Cocooner | 9 | 11-2 | 33/1 |
| Conflated | 11 | 11-2 | 100/1 |
| Stumptown | 8 | 11-2 | 10/1 |
| Hitman | 9 | 11-1 | 100/1 |
| Beauport | 9 | 11-1 | 40/1 |
| Bravemansgame | 10 | 11-0 | 33/1 |
| Chantry House | 11 | 10-13 | 66/1 |
| Galvin | 11 | 10-13 | 66/1 |
| Threeunderthrufive | 10 | 10-12 | 66/1 |
| Perceval Legallois | 8 | 10-12 | 16/1 |
| Kandoo Kid | 9 | 10-11 | 20/1 |
| Iroko | 7 | 10-11 | 10/1 |
| Limerick Lace | 8 | 10-10 | 66/1 |
| Trelawne | 9 | 10-10 | 66/1 |
| Intense Raffles | 7 | 10-10 | 8/1 |
| Idas Boy | 11 | 10-10 | 100/1 |
| Senior Chief | 8 | 10-10 | 50/1 |
| French Dynamite | 10 | 10-9 | 100/1 |
| Coko Beach | 10 | 10-9 | 66/1 |
| Broadway Boy | 7 | 10-9 | 66/1 |
| Mr Incredible | 9 | 10-9 | 66/1 |
| Farouk d'Alene | 10 | 10-9 | 100/1 |
| Zanahiyr | 8 | 10-9 | 100/1 |
| Stay Away Fay | 8 | 10-9 | 66/1 |
| Fil Dor | 7 | 10-9 | 66/1 |
| Pinkerton | 9 | 10-8 | 66/1 |
| Meetingofthewaters | 8 | 10-7 | 20/1 |
| Velvet Elvis | 9 | 10-7 | 66/1 |
| Minella Drama | 10 | 10-7 | 100/1 |
| Monbeg Genius | 9 | 10-6 | 25/1 |
| Vanillier | 10 | 10-6 | 16/1 |
| Horantzau d'Airy | 8 | 10-6 | 66/1 |
| Hyland | 8 | 10-6 | 28/1 |
| Celebre d'Allen | 13 | 10-6 | 150/1 |
| Fontaine Collonges | 10 | 10-6 | 100/1 |
| Three Card Brag | 8 | 10-5 | 33/1 |
| Twig | 10 | 10-5 | 66/1 |
| Quick Wave | 12 | 10-5 | 100/1 |
| Minella Crooner | 9 | 10-5 | 100/1 |
| Shakem Up'arry | 11 | 10-4 | 66/1 |
| Duffle Coat | 8 | 10-4 | 100/1 |
| Roi Mage | 13 | 10-4 | 100/1 |
| Favori de Champdou | 10 | 10-3 | 66/1 |
| Fantastic Lady | 10 | 10-3 | 100/1 |
| Yeah Man | 8 | 10-3 | 66/1 |
| Macdermott | 7 | 10-2 | 66/1 |
| Mister Coffey | 10 | 10-2 | 50/1 |
| Chemical Energy | 9 | 10-2 | 100/1 |
| Mr Vango | 9 | 10-2 | 25/1 |
| Desertmore House | 10 | 10-1 | 66/1 |
| Richmond Lake | 9 | 10-1 | 100/1 |
| Malina Girl | 8 | 10-1 | 66/1 |
| La Renommee | 7 | 10-0 | 150/1 |
| King Turgeon | 7 | 9-13 | 66/1 |
| Stuzzikini | 7 | 9-13 | 100/1 |
| Surrey Quest | 8 | 9-12 | 50/1 |
| Cruz Control | 8 | 9-12 | 66/1 |
| Apple Away | 8 | 9-11 | 100/1 |
| Busselton | 8 | 9-11 | 100/1 |
| Spanish Harlem | 7 | 9-11 | 150/1 |
| Famous Bridge | 9 | 9-9 | 50/1 |
| Where It All Began | 9 | 9-7 | 200/1 |
| Git Maker | 9 | 9-6 | 100/1 |
| Escaria Ten | 11 | 9-7 | 100/1 |
| Gericault Roque | 9 | 9-4 | 66/1 |
| Pats Fancy | 10 | 9-3 | 150/1 |
| Placenet | 8 | 9-3 | 200/1 |
