Quick Read
- JP McManus rerouted Grand National favourite Iroko to Cheltenham Festival’s Ultima Handicap Chase.
- Iroko was initially expected to run in Kelso’s Premier Chase before the decision.
- The move is a strategic preparation for the Grand National, where Iroko is the current favourite.
- Trainer Josh Guerriero expressed confidence in Iroko’s chances at Cheltenham.
- This route mirrors Corach Rambler’s successful 2023 campaign, winning both races.
LONDON (Azat TV) – Owner JP McManus has made a significant strategic decision by rerouting Grand National favourite Iroko to a Cheltenham Festival prep race, the Ultima Handicap Chase, instead of the previously anticipated Premier Chase at Kelso. This pivotal move, announced just weeks before the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, is profoundly shaping expectations for both the Festival itself and the Grand National at Aintree in April.
Iroko, a gelding trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, is currently the leading contender for the Grand National, with odds around 7/1. The decision by McManus, a prominent figure in jump racing whose horses are distinctive in their green and gold hooped silks, underscores a meticulous planning approach aimed at maximizing Iroko’s chances in the world’s greatest jump race. This strategy echoes a similar path taken last year, indicating a considered preference for the Cheltenham preparatory run.
Iroko’s Path to the Grand National
The routing of Iroko through the Ultima at Cheltenham Festival next month is a well-trodden and often successful path for Grand National hopefuls. Notably, Corach Rambler famously achieved the double in 2023, winning both the Ultima and the Grand National as the favourite. Connections for Iroko are undoubtedly hoping for a similar outcome, especially after the horse’s fourth-place finish in last year’s Grand National.
Iroko’s recent form includes a victory over Firefox at Ascot in December over 2m5f. His seasonal debut saw him place behind Gold Cup contender The Jukebox Man at Haydock. Trainer Josh Guerriero expressed confidence in Iroko, stating, “All’s good with him. He’s already a festival winner and I think he’d have a great chance in it if he went for it.” Iroko could potentially be joined in the Ultima by stablemate Jagwar, also owned by McManus, who holds entries in both the Ultima and the Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, according to talkSPORT.
Cheltenham Festival Preparations Intensify
The week leading up to the Cheltenham Festival is traditionally a period of heightened anticipation and strategic declarations. As noted by Racing Post, “Cheltenham chatter will take over” as five-day entries are published and final running plans are confirmed. This atmosphere of intense speculation and strategic positioning provides the backdrop for McManus’s decision regarding Iroko.
The Festival’s entry schedule, with confirmations and supplementary entries being released daily for each race day, means every declaration is scrutinized for its implications. The decision to bypass Kelso’s Premier Chase for a Cheltenham run is not just about Iroko’s fitness but about the strategic advantage a strong performance at the Festival could provide, both physically and psychologically, ahead of Aintree. Forecasts for drying conditions and mild temperatures in the Cheltenham area are also welcomed by connections, potentially influencing ground conditions for the upcoming races.
Impact on Racing Expectations
McManus’s choice to run Iroko at Cheltenham has several implications. For the Ultima Handicap Chase, it elevates the profile of the race, adding a Grand National favourite to its competitive field. For the Grand National itself, it suggests a deliberate, measured approach to Iroko’s preparation, prioritizing a high-stakes Festival test over another regular season run. This move is likely to solidify Iroko’s position as the horse to beat at Aintree, provided he emerges from Cheltenham in good form.
The strategic decision by a prominent owner like JP McManus to prioritize a Cheltenham Festival prep race for a Grand National favourite like Iroko highlights the intricate balance between immediate Festival glory and the ultimate prize at Aintree. This approach underscores the belief that a strong showing against top-tier competition at Cheltenham can be the most effective springboard to Grand National success, shaping the narrative and expectations for both of jump racing’s most anticipated events.