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Iroko’s Prospects in the 2025 Grand National
As the 2025 Grand National approaches, Iroko, trained by the partnership of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, has emerged as a prominent contender, currently priced at 8/1 (as of Tuesday, 18th March 2025) . Here, we look into Iroko’s profile, previous form, recent performances, and assesses his chances in the upcoming Aintree spectacle.
Horse Profile
Iroko is a seven-year-old bay gelding, foaled on 20 March 2018, in France. Sired by Cokoriko out of the mare Boscraie, his lineage suggests a blend of stamina and agility, traits essential for the rigours of the Grand National. Initially trained in France by Emmanuel Clayeux, Iroko transitioned to the UK under the tutelage of Oliver Greenall in late 2021. The training partnership of Greenall and Guerriero, established in 2022, has since overseen his development.
Previous Form and Major Victories
Iroko’s career trajectory showcases a horse maturing into a formidable competitor:
- 2021/2022 Season: After a fourth-place finish in the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow in December 2021, Iroko concluded the season with a respectable fourth in the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton in February 2022.
- 2022/2023 Season: This period marked significant progress. Iroko secured consecutive handicap hurdle victories at Wetherby in November 2022 and January 2023. His season peaked with a triumph in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2023, followed by a commendable third in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April.
- 2023/2024 Season: Transitioning to chasing, Iroko debuted over fences with a victory in a novice chase at Warwick in November 2023. He subsequently faced stiffer competition, finishing fifth in the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham and second in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree in April 2024, indicating his potential over extended distances.
Recent Performances
The 2024/2025 season has been a mixed bag for Iroko:
- November 2024: He began with a second-place finish in a novice chase at Haydock over 2m5½f on soft ground, demonstrating his competitiveness.
- December 2024: A fall at Ascot in a 2m5f chase raised concerns about his jumping consistency.
- January 2025: Iroko finished fourth in a 2m4½f handicap chase at Cheltenham on soft ground, suggesting room for improvement.
- March 2025: He secured a second-place finish in a 2m7f listed chase at Kelso on good to soft ground, indicating a return to form ahead of the Grand National.
Trainer Profile: Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero
The training duo of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero has been instrumental in Iroko’s development. Greenall, a former jockey, transitioned to training in 2016, steadily building a reputable yard. Guerriero, with a background in eventing and racing management, joined forces with Greenall in 2022. Their collaborative approach has yielded notable successes, with Iroko’s progression being a testament to their effective partnership.
Grand National 2025 Prospects
Iroko’s current odds of 8/1 reflect both his form and potential. Several factors influence his prospects:
- Stamina and Jumping: His performances over extended distances, particularly his second in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase over 3m1f, suggest he possesses the stamina required for the Grand National’s 4m2½f. However, his fall at Ascot underscores the need for impeccable jumping at Aintree.
- Weight Allocation: Iroko has been assigned a weight of 10st12lbs for the Grand National, which is considered manageable and could enhance his competitiveness.
- Ownership: Owned by prominent racing figure JP McManus, Iroko benefits from the resources and experience associated with a top-tier racing operation. Notably, McManus’s decision to withdraw Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin from the Grand National shifts more focus onto Iroko as a leading contender.
- Competition: The field includes formidable opponents such as defending champion I Am Maximus and Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles. Iroko’s ability to contend with such high-calibre rivals will be pivotal.
Conclusion
Iroko’s journey from novice hurdler to leading Grand National contender epitomises the progression desired in National Hunt racing. His blend of stamina, competitive spirit, and the strategic guidance of Greenall and Guerriero positions him as a genuine threat in the 2025 Grand National. While challenges such as jumping reliability and formidable competition exist, Iroko’s credentials render him a horse worthy of serious consideration as Aintree’s showcase event approaches.
