Jockey Mark Walsh has made his crucial selection for the Grand National, opting to ride Jagwar from a trio of leading contenders all owned by racing magnate JP McManus. The decision comes as McManus horses dominate the ante-post betting for the prestigious Aintree steeplechase, creating a fascinating dilemma for his retained rider.
McManus Dominance in Grand National Betting
The legendary owner JP McManus currently holds an unprecedented position in the Grand National market, with his horses occupying the first three spots in the betting. Former winner I Am Maximus leads the way as the 8-1 favourite with William Hill, closely followed by last year's fourth-placed finisher Iroko and Cheltenham Festival runner-up Jagwar, both priced at 10-1.
Walsh's Difficult Decision
For Mark Walsh, the 40-year-old jockey who came agonisingly close to victory aboard 2022 runner-up Any Second Now, this presented a particularly challenging choice. Walsh, who suffered a fall when riding Percival Legallois in last year's race, has ultimately selected the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained gelding Jagwar for the April 11 contest at Aintree.
The jockey partnered Jagwar to a second-place finish behind Johnnywho, another McManus-owned runner, in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the recent Cheltenham Festival. This performance clearly impressed Walsh and played a significant role in his decision-making process.
Trainer's Confidence in Jagwar
Trainer Josh Guerriero expressed considerable satisfaction with Jagwar's condition following his Cheltenham effort. "Jagwar has been very good since Cheltenham, he's very fresh and has come out of the race very well," Guerriero revealed. "I thought initially he might have had a hard race, but he certainly hasn't been tired, anyway."
Stamina and Course Suitability
Guerriero highlighted how Cheltenham demonstrated Jagwar's stamina credentials. "Cheltenham told us that he stayed that trip (three miles one furlong) very well and there's no reason he shouldn't stay further the way he came up the hill," the trainer explained.
He acknowledged some jumping issues during the Ultima, noting: "He wasted a hell of lot of energy through the race with his jumping and being wide." However, Guerriero believes Aintree's configuration will suit the seven-year-old perfectly. "He seems to struggle at Cheltenham with getting into a rhythm and I do think at Aintree with its long straights will help that a lot, he can use his big stride."
Strategic Planning for the National
The decision to ride Jagwar at Cheltenham was part of a deliberate strategy according to Guerriero. "The plan is for Mark Walsh to ride him, that was the whole point of riding him at Cheltenham, to get to know him before the National," he stated. "Hopefully he'll stay on and Jonjo will stay on Iroko."
Jonjo O'Neill Jr. is indeed set to maintain his partnership with Iroko, who finished fourth in last year's Grand National. There had been concerns about Iroko's health after he "scoped dirty" following the Ultima, but Guerriero confirmed the horse remains on course for Aintree.
Iroko's Health Update
"He just had a bit of mucus in his scope after the race, we scoped him before he ran but he's picked something up in the days before the race," Guerriero clarified. "It was nothing serious, but it was obviously enough to affect his performance. He's never failed to perform in a race, that was the first time, but then he scoped dirty."
Significant Withdrawals Reshape Field
The Grand National field has undergone substantial changes at the latest confirmation stage, with fourteen horses withdrawn from contention. The notable absentees include Grey Dawning, Handstands, Gentlemansgame, Western Fold, Better Days Ahead, Croke Park, Intense Raffles, Myretown, O'Moore Park, Leave Of Absence, Resplendent Grey, Stolen Silver, Search For Glory and Pic Roc.
These withdrawals have opened the door for other contenders, with Dan Skelton's Panic Attack now guaranteed a starting berth and securing the final position among the current thirty-four runners. The evolving field composition adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a captivating renewal of the world's most famous steeplechase.
