Jagwar: Why Mark Walsh's Choice Makes Him a Grand National 2026 Contender

Mark Walsh is retained first jockey for the JP McManus operation. When he is confirmed on a specific horse for the Grand National, it carries the same weight as Paul Townend's booking for the Mullins string. Walsh does not ride for the McManus colours as a courtesy. He rides when the ownership group believes the horse represents their best chance of winning. Walsh has been confirmed on Jagwar for Saturday's race, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. Here is why that booking matters and what Jagwar brings to a field that declarations this morning will confirm in full. The Ultima Form Jagwar's most important recent run was the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March. He finished second, beaten half a length. The Ultima is run over three miles two furlongs on a demanding track and regularly produces horses that run well in National-type contests over the following weeks. A horse that finishes second in the Ultima, beaten half a length, has demonstrated stamina, jumping ability under pressure in a big competitive field, and the fitness that comes from a peak Cheltenham run. The winner of that race was Johnnywho, who is also entered for Saturday's Grand National. The form line connecting the two horses is therefore direct and meaningful when assessing how Jagwar will perform at Aintree. The Weight Advantage Jagwar carries significantly less weight than the market leaders. I Am Maximus, the favourite, heads the weights. Jagwar's mark places him comfortably below the historical barrier where Grand National winners have typically found the burden manageable. In a race where the weight carried over four miles two and a half furlongs is one of the most measurable variables in the outcome, that difference matters in a way that becomes increasingly apparent in the closing stages. The McManus Signal Six JP McManus horses were declared for Easter Monday's Irish Grand National. The operation runs with enormous depth and Walsh's commitment to Jagwar over the other McManus entries tells you where the analysis within that camp is pointing. The McManus operation has won the Grand National before and approaches Aintree week with a seriousness of purpose that casual race entries do not convey. Horse Racing Oracle AI's Grand National selection goes live today morning after declarations. Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com to get the tip before the market moves. Want free AI-powered tips every morning? Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com -> Betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly. Visit BeGambleAware.org.