In an attempt to win the storied event again, JP McManus is running four horses in this year’s BoyleSports Irish Grand National. The last time the Limerick businessman won the race was in 2023, when I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, won and went on to win the Aintree Grand National the following year. Only Intense Raffles finished first in the race last year, with McManus’ Any Second Now coming in second. And at the ripe age of 13, the gelding trained by Ted Walsh is returning to Fairyhouse for another attempt at the renowned race. In the major race, McManus will be hoping that Sa Majeste keeps up his upward trend. Last time out at the Cheltenham Festival, the Mullins-trained gelding ran incredibly well to take third in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase.
They are racing Johnnywho in this year’s Irish Grand National, which McManus and Jonjo O’Neill won with Shutthefrontdoor in 2014. Johnny was a very unfortunate loser in the race in which Sa Majeste finished third. He appeared to be in control of the Kim Muir Handicap Chase, but a bad last-minute jump cost him the race. However, the Irish Grand National would be a huge comfort. Lastly, Bioluminescence, Mullins’ progressing mare, is running in his renowned green and gold silks. The mare, taught by Gavin Cromwell, is incredibly adept at fencing and will love any rain that falls at Fairyhouse.
They are racing Johnny who in this year’s Irish Grand National, which McManus and Jonjo O’Neill won with Shutthefrontdoor in 2014. Johnny was a very unfortunate loser in the race in which Sa Majeste finished third. He appeared to be in control of the Kim Muir Handicap Chase, but a bad last-minute jump cost him the race. However, the Irish Grand National would be a huge comfort.
