JP McManus is hungrier than ever for Grand National glory this spring. A fourth win for his colours would break the record for most wins as an owner in the race.
McManus has won with Don’t Push It (2010), Minella Times (2021) and I Am Maximus (2024). The last-named will attempt to reclaim his crown and become only the fifth horse ever to do so. Red Rum was the previous horse to achieve that accolade in 1977.
He will not be McManus’ only history-seeker though. Also towards the head of the betting are Iroko, Jagwar and Johnnywho. All three contested the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, with the latter pair finishing first and second in reverse order. Iroko was fourth in the Grand National last season, being the first British-trained contender home.
However, the strength of that quartet may not be enough for McManus. Two more horses may well join his unrivalled team for the 2026 Aintree showpiece.
“Spillane’s Tower just needs soft” – Frank Berry
Speaking to the Racing Post on Friday, McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry outlined who else may join their Grand National squad. Spillane’s Tower was the starting point, having missed the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“Spillane’s Tower just needs soft in the description and it wasn’t there at Cheltenham,” Berry said. “He’ll head to Aintree hopefully. I’d say he’ll go to the National now. He’ll probably also have an entry in the Bowl too, but we’re looking at the National.”
Spillane’s Tower’s trainer Jimmy Mangan is no stranger to Aintree success. He trained 2003 Grand National hero Monty’s Pass, though Spillane’s Tower is likely a classier type.
Oscars Brother “could easily end up in the National” – Berry
Oscars Brother ran a fine race in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. That fourth-placed effort, on ground quicker than ideal, made him favourite for the Irish Grand National when the weights were revealed for the Fairyhouse marathon earlier this week.
However, Aintree could well beckon for Connor King’s charge too.
“Connor’s done a great job with Oscars Brother. He ran very well at Cheltenham and could easily end up in the National. He’ll end up in the Irish or Aintree National, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he went to Liverpool.”
Johnnywho is another horse with options in both England and Ireland. Berry once again points the way to Aintree for the O’Neill-trained runner for handicap reasons.
I’d say he (Johnnywho) could end up with plenty of weight in the Irish National looking at the top horses so if he got into Aintree, I’d say he’ll probably go there.”