'That effort was a great trial' - JP McManus' three best Grand National hopes

‘That effort was a great trial’ – JP McManus’ three best Grand National hopes

Liam Bramall

Published: April 7, 2026

Horse racing is in Liam's blood and his biggest passion is jumps racing. He can often be found at his favourite tracks; Chepstow and Cheltenham in the Autumn when the National Hunt action kicks off. In his own words: "I'm often referred to as a walking form book, a trait which comes in handy from time to time. My proudest tipping success to date was landing a whopping 682-1 accumulator at Epsom."

We’re approaching the closing stages of the National Hunt season in Britain and the second major spring festival takes place at Aintree this week. There’s an abundance of Grade 1 action to look forward to but the main event is undoubtedly the £1,000,000 Grand National. JP McManus is one of the biggest names in the sport so we’re taking a closer look at three of his best chances of coming out on top. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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CLAIM

Jagwar

Stamina is far from guaranteed with regards to Jagwar but he stayed on strongly to finish second in the Ultima at last month’s Cheltenham Festival. It’s slightly concerning that he has failed to win either of his last two, as he had every chance on both occasions, but this unique test could bring out the best in him. He has the ability and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him run a huge race.

Jagwar

Analysis

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Johnnywho

This season has been an odd one as he has looked badly out of form for a lot of it but he roared back to his best to get the better of Jagwar in the Ultima last time out. The fact that he was well beaten in last year’s Irish Grand National is a slight concern but he’s a year older and more experienced. Staying on well that day, he shaped as if marathon trips could suit and he probably deserves another chance.

Johnnywho

Analysis

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Oscars Brother

Winning the Grand National as a novice certainly isn’t easy but Noble Yeats managed to do so back in 2022. Connor King’s eight-year-old was outpaced throughout in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham but kept on well to finish fourth. That effort was a great trial for the Grand National and the gelding has a significant amount of scope for improvement. Don’t rule him out.

Oscars Brother

Analysis

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If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

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CLAIM

‘That effort was a great trial’ – JP McManus’ three best Grand National hopes

Jagwar

Jagwar

Johnnywho

Johnnywho

Oscars Brother

Oscars Brother

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