With not long now until the Aintree spectacle, check out the 2026 JP McManus Grand National runners as he is currently responsible for three of the first four in the betting.
When Is The 2026 Aintree Grand National?
As the jumps season comes to a close, the Aintree Grand National will take place on Saturday 11th April at 4:00pm.
The big race will be ran on the third day of the meeting with action getting underway at Aintree on Thursday 9th April.
Friday 10th April sees the popular Ladies Day take place, with Saturday 11th hosting the 178th running of the famous race.
It’s also worth noting that the Grand National declaration dates are coming thick and fast in the lead-up to the meeting.
How Many Grand Nationals Has JP McManus Won?
Coming off the back of another hugely successful Cheltenham Festival, JP McManus will be bidding to become the leading owner of the Grand National.
McManus currently has three Grand National winners to his name, and if he can win this year’s race then he would have more than any other owner with four.
After tasting his first success all the way back in 2010 with Don’t Push It, the Irishman had to wait another 11 years before his next winner. Minella Times won in 2021 under Rachel Blackmore, who became the first woman to ever win the prestigious race.
I Am Maximus in 2024 was the last Grand National winner who ran in the famous green and gold hoops – and he’ll be lining up again this year.
With most of the Grand National trials complete, the McManus horse with the best chance in this year’s race remains to be seen.
JP McManus Grand National Winners
- 2010 – Don’t Push It (Jonjo O’Neill/AP McCoy) 10/1
- 2021 – Minella Times (Henry De Bromhead/Rachael Blackmore) 11/1
- 2024 – I Am Maximus (Willie Mullins/Paul Townend) 7/1
WATCH: I Am Maximus Wins 2024 Grand National
2026 JP McManus Grand National Runners
There’s no doubt that once again there will be all eyes on the JP McManus Grand National runners as he ususally saddles at least six in the contest.
This year will be no different, as McManus looks to have a few strong chances in the race. Whilst they all might not line up, the billionaire owner currently has seven horses entered.
- I Am Maximus @ 10/1 (Willie Mullins)
- Iroko @ 10/1 (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero)
- Jagwar @ 10/1 (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero)
- Johnnywho @ 16/1 (Jonjo & A J O’Neill)
- Oscars Brother @ 20/1 (Connor King)
- Spillane’s Tower @ 20/1 (Jimmy Mangan)
- Perceval Legallois @ 50/1 (Gavin Cromwell)
Read below about three horses in particular we think have a solid chance and you’ll be able to follow all the action LIVE on ITV Racing.
I Am Maximus – Willie Mullins
Winner of this race in 2024 and runner up last year, I Am Maximus returns to Aintree in a rich vein of form.
The Mullins-trained 10-year-old has ran with credit in defeat all season, in particularly the last twice at Leopardstown. He finished second at a huge price in the Savills Chase and ran with great credit into fifth in the Irish Gold Cup.
He’ll head to Aintree looking to win the race for a second time, and there’s no reason why he can’t. Almost guaranteed to be on the premises turning for home.
Iroko – Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Well fancied for the Grand National last year, Iroko ran well and eventually finished fourth. He arrives at Aintree this season after an underwhleming round of jumping in the Ultima at Cheltenham, but that can be forgiven.
He was running off top weight at Cheltenham and it was reported he scoped dirty the day after the race. There’s a feeling that he could repay punters from last season and win it this year.
Whilst he’s 5lbs higher this year, that shouldn’t stop him improving in a race like this and he could serve it up to his older market rivals.
Oscars Brother – Connor King
One of the most fascinating JP McManus Grand National runners in recent years is Oscars Brother – who could become just the second novice to win the race.
Although there’s a good chance he lines up for the Irish Grand National a week earlier, if he goes to Aintree he has to be in with a shout.
He stayed on strongly towards the end when coming fourth in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, looking like a horse who would appreciate much further.
McManus purchased this eight-year-old after he won a Grade 2 at Punchestown back in November and it would be a true fairytale if he went to Aintree and ran a big race.
