This British raider could be JP McManus’ best chance in the Irish Grand National

Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival is always worth looking forward to and the feature race across the three days is the €500,000 Irish Grand National. JP McManus has won two of the last 10 renewals, most recently with subsequent Aintree Grand National winner I Am Maximus in 2023. Probably the biggest owner on both sides of the Irish Sea, he’ll be desperate to get his name on the trophy once again.

A British runner could be his best chance of winning Monday’s race and we’re going to take a detailed look at the horse’s chances. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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CLAIM

Irish Grand National

Johnnywho is trained by Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill, who have been very careful with his handicap mark so far this season. That strategy very nearly paid off in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month and he was a neck away from winning when finishing second that day.

He made a winning start to his chasing career at Carlisle in October, getting the better of Bugise Seagull over 2m4f and he then went on to finish third in three graded races after that. Clearly connections were preparing him for a handicap target as he produced a much better performance in the Kim Muir.

This son of Califet showed promise as a novice hurdler and shaped like a proper stayer in the Challow over 2m5f at Newbury. Keeping on well despite not having the speed to trouble the winner, he was only beaten by two lengths back in fourth and subsequent Grade 1 winner The Jukebox Man was only just ahead of him.

Perhaps this marathon trip can facilitate further improvement and he certainly shapes as if it will suit. Life will be harder off a higher mark now but there could be more to come from him over fences.

Johnnywho

Analysis

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