Inothewayurthinkin Opts Out of Grand National After Cheltenham Gold Cup Triumph

Following a spectacular victory at the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Inothewayurthinkin has been withdrawn from the upcoming Grand National. Trainer Gavin Cromwell and owner JP McManus have decided to rest the seven-year-old champion, prioritizing his long-term health and performance over immediate glory.

A Strategic Decision

Cromwell explained the rationale behind this decision, emphasizing the horse's youth and the intensive focus on his jumping skills this season. "He's only seven and we've worked so hard on his jumping this season that we feel it just might be a backward step to run him at Aintree," said Cromwell. He added that winning both the Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same season is a monumental challenge, historically achieved only by Golden Miller in 1934.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Cromwell mentioned the Punchestown Gold Cup at the end of April as a potential target for Inothewayurthinkin. "We'll see how he is over the next few weeks before making a decision on that," he stated, indicating a cautious approach to planning the horse's next steps.

Historical Context

This decision highlights the delicate balance trainers must maintain between ambition and the welfare of their horses. Inothewayurthinkin’s withdrawal from the Grand National underscores the importance of strategic planning in horse racing, ensuring that champions like him can continue to compete at the highest levels in the future.