Leading owner JP McManus already holds a strong card in the Aintree Grand National, and his team has been given a further boost by Ultima winner Johnnywho.
The son of Califet has largely been frustrating for connections, failing to back up his comfortable chase debut. He was sent off favourite for the 2025 Kim Muir, though agonisingly beaten a neck by Daily Present. He belatedly returned to the winners enclosure at Cheltenham under an excellent ride from Richie McLernon in the Ultima.
The half-brother to 2020 London National winner Doing Fine will look to back that up in the Aintree Grand National. Speaking to the Racing Post, AJ O’Neil said: “The plan is to go to Aintree with Johnnywho. He needs two to come out, but he won’t be left in the Irish National. He’s come out of Cheltenham well and is in good form, so hopefully we can see him at Aintree.
“He was knocking on the door a couple of times. It was great to see him get his head in front, and what a great place to do it.”
McManus’ holds the Aintree aces
JP McManus has a seriously strong Grand National team, as he holds five of the top seven in the market. The 2024 winner I Am Maximus could only manage second in his repeat bid, but still has to be feared.
Jagwar was second to Johnnywho at Cheltenham, shaping as if this stamina test will more than suit. Mark Walsh rode him that day, and it’s rather significant he’s the chosen mount of Walsh. Iroko was sent off favourite for last years renewal, though only managed fourth. He still looked relatively ‘novicey’ there, so he could prove sharper now a year wiser.
Oscar’s Brother has been a revelation for Connor King, landing two Grade 2 chases this term. Despite finishing fourth to Kitzbuhel at Cheltenham, he stayed on well to suggest this test may suit.
The O’Neil’s also have Monbeg Genius among the entries, but have suggested he may be Fairyhouse bound. “Monbeg Genius would need a good few to come out at Aintree. He’s most likely going to Fairyhouse,” said O’Neill. “It was a really good performance in the Kim Muir. Possibly a bit more cut in the ground might have helped him, but it was a really strong run.
“The Irish National is an awesome race. I hadn’t been over for a good while until last year when Johnnywho finished fifth with a real nice performance. It’s a special day and we got to see some of the old winners on parade beforehand. You’d obviously grow up hearing about them and watching the racing. It brings good memories and we wouldn’t mind making a few more.”