Mark Walsh has chosen Jagwar as his mount for the Grand National, opting for the JP McManus-owned gelding over stablemates I Am Maximus and Iroko. The 40-year-old jockey, who finished second on Any Second Now in 2022, will ride the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained seven-year-old at Aintree on April 11.
Walsh rode Jagwar to a runner-up finish behind Johnnywho in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival. The horse is a 10-1 chance with William Hill, alongside Iroko, while former winner I Am Maximus is the 8-1 favourite. Iroko, who finished fourth last year, will be ridden again by Jonjo O'Neill Jr.
Josh Guerriero, co-trainer, said: 'Jagwar has been very good since Cheltenham, he's very fresh and has come out of the race very well. I thought initially he might have had a hard race, but he certainly hasn't been tired.' He added that the horse's jumping and wide running at Cheltenham wasted energy, but Aintree's long straights should suit his big stride.
Iroko scoped dirty after the Ultima but remains on course. Guerriero explained: 'He just had a bit of mucus in his scope after the race... It was nothing serious, but it was obviously enough to affect his performance.'
Fourteen horses were withdrawn at the latest confirmation stage, including Grey Dawning and Handstands. Dan Skelton's Panic Attack secured the last of the current 34 positions.
