GRAND PLAN

Gibney’s keeping calm for Intense Aintree

- BY GARY CARSON

TRAINER Tom Gibney is doing his best to keep his feet on the ground as he puts the finishing touches to his Randox Grand National favourite Intense Raffles.

With the world’s most famous steeplechase now less than a fortnight away, Gibney opened his doors to the media yesterday morning to celebrate the launch of the 2025 Boylesports Irish Grand National, a race the Meath handler won for a second time with Intense Raffles last season.

The Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned grey won his first two starts in Ireland at Fairyhouse after being switched from France - and 12 years after landing the Easter Monday feature with Lion Na Bearnai, Gibney admits hopes were high his new stable star could repeat the feat.

“I was confident he would run very well, we genuinely would have been very disappointed if he wasn't there or thereabouts’ he said.