A significant decision has been made in the world of horse racing as Gavin Cromwell, trainer of the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin, announced that the seven-year-old will not participate in the upcoming Grand National. This choice comes after a remarkable victory last Friday where Inothewayurthinkin triumphed over Galopin Des Champs, denying the latter a historic hat-trick. Despite being favored for the Grand National, the JP McManus-owned horse has been withdrawn from the prestigious event to ensure long-term success.

Gavin Cromwell expressed his rationale behind the strategic move, emphasizing the young age of Inothewayurthinkin and the intense focus on improving his jumping skills this season. Running at Aintree could potentially hinder future progress, prompting Cromwell to prioritize the horse's development. The trainer celebrated their recent Gold Cup win but acknowledged the challenge of expecting too much from a seven-year-old champion within such a short timeframe.

In light of this decision, the Punchestown Gold Cup at the end of April remains an option under consideration. Cromwell plans to evaluate the horse's condition over the coming weeks before finalizing any commitments. Historical context adds intrigue, as Golden Miller stands alone as the sole horse to achieve both the Gold Cup and Grand National victories in the same season back in 1934.

Moving forward, Cromwell's cautious approach aims to secure sustained excellence for Inothewayurthinkin. By opting out of the Grand National, the team focuses on nurturing potential while maintaining competitive edge. This thoughtful strategy highlights dedication towards achieving peak performance across multiple races in the future.