Inothewayurthinkin ruled out of Grand National bid

Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin will not bid for an historic double in the Randox Grand National at Aintree next month, his trainer Gavin Cromwell has announced.

The JP McManus-owned seven-year-old repaid the faith of his connections after being supplemented for the blue riband with a fantastic victory under Mark Walsh at Prestbury Park on Friday, powering clear of dual Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs on the run-in.

Inothewayurthinkin was already Grand National favourite and in the immediate aftermath of his Gold Cup success was cut to a best-priced 3-1 to become only the second horse to win National Hunt racing’s two most prestigious prizes after Golden Miller, who completed the double in 1934.

However, after taking a few days to mull over the decision, Cromwell confirmed on Tuesday morning that his charge will not line up in the world’s most famous steeplechase on April 5.

He told the PA news agency: “He’s only a seven-year-old and we’ve worked hard on his jumping this season and his jumping has improved an awful lot.

“We think it’s the right thing to do. It’s all about doing the right thing for the horse.”

With Aintree now off the table, Inothewayurthinkin could round off his season in the Punchestown Gold Cup, but that is also far from certain.

“Punchestown is an option, but it’s certainly not for definite,” Cromwell added.

“He’s come out of the race well.”

Inothewayurthinkin was one of several horses taken out of the Grand National at the latest scratchings stage, with Gold Cup third Gentlemansgame, the fourth home Monty’s Star and the fifth placed The Real Whacker also among those who will not be lining up.

With a total of 67 horses still in contention, both Paddy Power and Coral make Tom Gibney’s Intense Raffles their new 6-1 favourite. Despite Inothewayurthinkin’s defection, McManus still has two leading contenders in Iroko and last year’s winner I Am Maximus, who are 8-1 joint second-favourites with the latter firm.

“The scratching of Inothewayurthinkin has completely changed the make-up of the Grand National betting. Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles is the new favourite, but it is now a more open betting event,” said Coral’s John Hill.

“Inothewayurthinkin would have gone off a very short-priced favourite, possibly as short as 2-1, but it’s now hard to predict what will start as favourite, with Iroko and I Am Maximus also in the frame to top the betting on the day.

“Although JP McManus will not have Inothewayurthinkin wearing his silks, he still has a very strong hand in the race, with Iroko and I Am Maximus at the top end of the betting.”