Cheltenham Festival runner-up Jagwar is to be ridden by Mark Walsh in the Grand National at Aintree. The decision was confirmed by the horse’s joint trainer Josh Guerriero.
Walsh is the retained rider of owner JP McManus, who is likely to own a number of Grand National runners this year. They include 2024 hero I Am Maximus. However, he has always been ridden at Aintree by Paul Townend, Willie Mullins’ number one, and it is unlikely that will change for 2026.
Walsh therefore had the choice of the remaining contingent. That is made up of long-term ante-post favourite Iroko, his stablemate Jagwar, as well as potential Irish raider Oscars Brother and Jagwar’s Cheltenham conqueror Johnnywho. The last-named is yet to be guaranteed a run, sitting 36th on the list after the latest scratchings stage.
Spillane’s Tower and Perceval Legallois are other McManus runners who could line up. It is Jagwar, though, who Walsh is siding with. He partnered him in the Ultima Handicap Chase earlier this month.
“That was the point of riding him at Cheltenham” – Guerriero
Jagwar was a well-supported favourite for the third time this season at Cheltenham. Unfortunately for his backers, it was also the third time he was narrowly denied victory.
A frustrating horse to follow from a punting perspective, it is undeniable that Jagwar has talent. He also looked a thorough stayer when chasing home Johnnywho at the Festival.
Aintree therefore looks like a more longstanding plan than first thought. Guerriero confirmed as much to the Press Association via RTE.
“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. Hopefully he’ll stay on and Jonjo will stay on Iroko.”
There is a four-week gap between Cheltenham and Aintree this season. As a result, Jagwar’s team are confident he is arriving at the Grand National in full working order.
“I thought initially he might have had a hard race, but he certainly hasn’t been tired, anyway,” Guerriero added.
“Cheltenham told us that he stayed that trip very well and there’s no reason he shouldn’t stay further the way he came up the hill. He wasted a hell of lot of energy through the race with his jumping and being wide.
Jagwar now sits at number 24 in the Grand National weights. There has been sustained market support for him of late too, as he is now the second favourite generally behind top-weight I Am Maximus.