The Grand National, one of the most prestigious steeplechases in the world, has seen a shift in its competitive landscape in recent years. Concerns have been raised about the increasing dominance of Irish trainers, particularly a few powerhouse stables, leading to discussions about the event’s evolving nature and its accessibility for smaller British yards.
The field for the upcoming race has largely been determined, and with it, criticisms have emerged from several British trainers. They argue that the Grand National is becoming increasingly monopolized by the most successful stables, particularly those of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott. This trend has made it more challenging for smaller trainers to secure a place in the lineup, even when they have horses with strong credentials. The case of Mr Vango, a capable chaser unlikely to make the cut despite his solid form, exemplifies these frustrations.
Many fans and trainers believe the Grand National has lost some of its traditional charm. Over time, changes have been introduced to make the race safer, including modifications to the fences, a slight reduction in distance, and a limit of 34 runners. While these measures have improved safety, some argue they have also diminished the race’s distinctiveness. The concern is that it has started to resemble other major jumps races, moving away from the unpredictable and open nature that once defined it.
The dominance of Irish-trained horses is not unique to the Grand National but reflects the broader state of jump racing. At this year’s Cheltenham Festival, Irish runners claimed 20 of the 28 races, with Mullins alone saddling ten winners. His stable’s depth was particularly evident in the Triumph Hurdle, where he had 11 of the 17 runners, including the 100-1 winner.
Some British trainers have suggested imposing a cap on the number of horses a single trainer can enter in the National to level the playing field. Others have even proposed restrictions on Irish runners in British races. However, limiting successful trainers in such a way would go against the competitive spirit of the sport and could deter major owners from continuing to invest. Additionally, many of the horses from powerhouse yards run under different ownerships, further complicating the issue.
Despite concerns, this year’s Grand National lineup still offers a mix of contenders from various backgrounds. Of the 34 horses currently assured a spot, 18 are trained in Britain. Among them is Iroko, a leading contender from a relatively small stable, as well as Horantzau D’Airy, a horse bought for just over £50,000 by a trainer who has yet to saddle a jumps winner.
The favorite for the race, Intense Raffles, is trained by Tom Gibney in Ireland, but his yard consists of only around 20 horses. His presence among the frontrunners shows that smaller operations can still compete at the highest level, even if they are not based in Britain. Additionally, it was only two years ago that Corach Rambler, part-owned by a student who invested during lockdown, triumphed in a feel-good story reminiscent of the National’s storied past.
The race continues to produce exciting narratives and remains highly competitive. While safety changes and shifting trends in the sport have altered its dynamics, the Grand National still provides opportunities for surprise winners and memorable moments. While some British trainers may feel disadvantaged, the reality is that racing operates in cycles, and opportunities remain for those willing to challenge the dominant forces.
