The Cheltenham Ultima Handicap Chase over three miles two furlongs is the race that has consistently produced horses that perform well at Aintree the following month. The distance, the stamina demands, the competitive pressure of a Cheltenham Festival field — all of it is relevant preparation for what Saturday's Grand National asks of a horse. Johnnywho won the 2026 Ultima. He arrives at Aintree with that evidence fresh in the form book and the market has responded by making him one of the most talked-about names in Grand National week.
The Ultima Win
Johnnywho won the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on March 10th, getting the better of Jagwar, who is also entered for Saturday's Grand National. The victory was a proper Festival performance under competitive conditions — a large field, a demanding track, soft ground, a stamina test that lasted longer than three miles. A horse that wins that race is not winning a small preparatory event. The Ultima is one of the most competitive handicap chases of the Festival, and winning it off a mark that the handicapper has since adjusted carries meaningful evidence of ability. His Grand National odds shortened immediately from 40/1 to 16/1 following the Ultima win. That move tells you what experienced form analysts thought of the performance in the context of Aintree.
Why Ultima Winners Go Well at Aintree
The correlation between Ultima performance and Grand National performance is explainable rather than coincidental. Both races reward horses with genuine stamina at three miles and further, the ability to jump under pressure in a competitive field, and a racing style that involves travelling within oneself through the early stages before finishing strongly. Horses that win the Ultima have demonstrated all three. They arrive at Aintree proven at the trip, proven at the level, and proven in competitive conditions.
The Weight and Profile
Johnnywho carries a weight at Aintree that reflects the handicapper's revised assessment after the Ultima win, but still sits within a manageable range for a horse of his profile. He is guaranteed a run inside the top 34, having climbed into the weights list after Monday's withdrawals allowed him to make the cut. His connections have been clear that Aintree was the target after Cheltenham. Horse Racing Oracle AI's Grand National selection goes live today after declarations. Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com. Want free AI-powered tips every morning? Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com -> Betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly. Visit BeGambleAware.org.