Trainer warns huge JP McManus-owned Cheltenham favourite is set to miss Festival in favour of Aintree
Trainer warns huge JP McManus-owned Cheltenham favourite is set to miss Festival in favour of Aintree
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A HUGE Cheltenham favourite is set to skip the Festival entirely - in favour of Aintree. The JP McManus-owned Iroko was the subject of a stewards' enquiry following his fourth-place finish in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at the Gloucestershire track last weekend.
![[JP McManus at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15daa92a-f8c7-4b03-a6f1-f19827f5b874.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He travelled and jumped well in the whole and was given a hands and heels ride up the hill to end up five lengths behind winner Moon D'Orange. The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure.
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Iroko's trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero stated at the start of the season that the Grand National would be his aim. They will look to give McManus a second straight win in the race after I Am Maximus won it last year. But with there being just three weeks between Cheltenham and Aintree this year, Guerriero feels the gap is too short to do both.
Iroko is still the 10-1 clear favourite for the Ultima Handicap Chase - won by Corach Rambler before he doubled up in the National in 2023 - on day one of the Festival. Yet his trainer reckons it's unlikely he goes. He said: "If there was four weeks between Cheltenham and Aintree, we’d love to (run at the Festival).
