'She was very emotional': JP McManus pays touching tribute to wife, family and Limerick stud farm staff

THERE will be few tears shed, said an emotional JP McManus after his horse I Am Maximus once again claimed the Grand National title it won two years ago.

Interviewer Matt Chapman, of ITV Racing, asked the Limerick businessman “what does this mean?” considering he has won everything in the world of National Hunt racing. 

“I'm here with nine grandchildren, all my family. The lads back home played such a big part in it on the farm - it'll mean a lot to so many. There will be a few tears shed along the way. I saw Noreen (Mr McManus’ wife) there and she was very emotional about it,” said Mr McManus, who paused during the touching moment on television.

Mr Chapman wished Noreen and all the connections the best for the future. 

“Thanks Matt and thanks to everybody for their warm wishes and applause. It's a very, very special day,” said Mr McManus.

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Earlier in the interview, the proud Limerick man said there is a bit of planning that goes into it and everything points towards the Grand National. 

“Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't but thankfully it all came together this time,” said Mr McManus.

Mr Chapman said Willie Mullins, the trainer of I Am Maximus, said prior to race that of all his horses the eventual winner was the “class horse”.

“I suppose he carried the most weight. He managed to win. He got a great ride from Paul (Townend). He waited for the horse and I think it was an outstanding ride.

“And what can I say about Willie? We forgot about the Gold Cup. He was entered in it, it was a temptation, but we said, let's try and win the national because he's a real national type. He’s just made for it. He gets away with things at the fences that he might not get away with at Cheltenham. He just loves it around here (Aintree) and Paul knows the horse so well. I could not be happier,” said Mr McManus.

The win marked a fourth Aintree Grand National for Mr McManus - more than any other owner in history.

The Limerick businessman, whose family home is in Martinstown, owned three of the first four home in this year's Grand National.