Henry de Bromhead eyeing up Grand National success with former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner

Henry de Bromhead’s record in the Grand National since the turn of the decade is exemplary, and he’s hoping to get his hands back on the famous trophy in 2025.

Minella Times led home a 1-2 for the yard in 2021 and Minella Indo put in a big effort to finish third last year under the guidance of Rachael Blackmore.

The County Waterford-based trainer is preparing to send Minella Indo, the winner of the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup, back to Aintree for another go at world famous steeplechase.

After Tuesday’s Grand National weights reveal, the 12-year-old will carry a rating of 158 for the contest.

Speaking to Racing TV, de Bromhead said: “Minella Indo is aiming for the National and Senior Chief is aiming for there as well. Minella Indo ran really well last year. It was brilliant. He’s come out of Navan ok. He ran well and Rachael (Blackmore, jockey) was happy. He might have got a bit tired in the ground but he ran well.

"He’s got a great attitude. He’s an amazing horse, he’s been brilliant over the years and he’s a great man. We’re delighted with him. He certainly enjoyed it last year. Rachael was brilliant on him and gave him a great spin. We’ve opted to go this way and hopefully he’ll run well."

Senior Chief is the other de Bromhead-trained runner who is definitely targeting Aintree, and the British handicapper has given him a rating of 151 to navigate in April.

His trainer mentioned the Grand National after his success at Cheltenham in October, so this isn’t a new plan, and he’s still a nice improving stayer.

On Senior Chief, de Bromhead added: “He ran great at Cheltenham (when winning at The Showcase Meeting). We were a bit disappointed with him in the Hennessy (Coral Gold Cup at Newbury) but he seems in good form again now, so we’ll definitely aim him at the National.” Envoi Allen and Monty’s Star are de Bromhead’s final two entries in the Grand National, but they’re both not certain to run.

Both horses are likely to run in Grade 1 races at the Festival, and that could shelve their chances of running at Aintree three weeks later.

On the two, de Bromhead said to Racing TV: “At the moment, Monty’s Star is heading for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. He is in great form. He has come out of his last race well.

“Envoi Allen seems well. At the moment he's heading for the Ryanair Chase.” 

Grand National odds - via Betway 

Inothewayurthinkin 8/1 

I Am Maximus 10/1 

Iroko 12/1 

Intense Raffles 14/1 

Nick Rockett, Stumptown 16/1 

Minella Cocooner, Perceval Legallois, Kandoo Kid 20/1 

25/1 bar