Iroko Eyes Ascot as Grand National Preparations Begin

Connections of Iroko are planning a return to Ascot later this month as part of a carefully managed campaign building towards the Randox Grand National in April.

The six-year-old, owned by JP McManus and trained by the partnership of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, started his season with a solid second-place finish to Trelawne on Betfair Chase day at Haydock. Placed at Grade One level over both hurdles and fences, Iroko’s sights are firmly set on the world’s most iconic steeplechase at Aintree.

To preserve his handicap mark of 152, the gelding is expected to have a light schedule before the spring, focusing on shorter trips.

“He’s really well and heads to Ascot on the 21st for a graduation chase,” said Josh Guerriero.”

“After that, we’ll likely target a small two-and-a-half-mile handicap. The plan is to work back from the National, keeping him to two or two-and-a-half miles to avoid overexposing him. Fingers crossed all goes well.”

Iroko is currently priced at 25-1 for the Grand National, while McManus’s reigning champion I A Maximus leads the betting at 10-1.