Jonjo O’Neill Jr on Iroko’s Grand National chances

Betfred ambassador Jonjo O'Neill Jr. is set to ride joint-favourite Iroko in the 2025 Grand National at Aintree on Saturday and Matt Hulmes sat down with the in-form jockey to discuss his chances of landing the £500k prize.

Jonjo O'Neill Jr. says he "wouldn't swap" Grand National hope Iroko for any of the other runners ahead of the big race.

Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero's seven-year-old, who sports the iconic green and gold silks of legendary owner JP McManus, is currently 8/1 joint-favourite at Betfred alongside Gavin Cromwell's Stumptown.

Last year's winner I Am Maximus isn't far behind at 10/1 - the same price as 2023 King George VI Chase hero Hewick, last season's Irish National victor Intense Raffles and Vanillier.

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On Iroko, O'Neill Jr. said: "I'm very happy with him. I sat on him in the week, did a little bit of work and he's as fit as anything. It's all systems go."

The 27-year-old suggests it's an even more competitive National, but insists he wouldn't want to get the leg up on anything else in the 34-strong field.

Jonjo Jr. admits he's not short of confidence heading into Aintree after a highly-memorable Cheltenham Festival featuring a couple of winners - including Jagwar in the Plate for the same connections as Iroko.

He also sprung a huge shock in the Triumph Hurdle aboard Willie Mullins' Poniros, winning at odds of 100/1.

The jockey also shared his thoughts on his mount getting the marathon trip of 4m2½f and looked back on his novice form behind subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin.

He also provides insight into his father's runner, Monbeg Genius, as well as giving his overall opinion on the Aintree Festival as a whole and the atmosphere on Merseyside.

Watch our full interview with Jonjo O'Neill Jr. below.

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