WATCH: Limerick publican is the ‘Mann’ for the job as The Real Whacker romps home in Cheltenham

IT WAS always going to be hard to top the unforgettable scenes in Cheltenham on Tuesday but for Limerick man Davy Mann moments don’t come much sweeter than 2.15pm this Wednesday.

The Rathkeale publican who is from Ballysteen roared The Real Whacker past the winning post amid joyous scenes to claim the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

The seven-year old gelding, who is trained by Limerick native Patrick Neville, who is now based in the UK is part-owned by Mann. The winner was returned at odds of 13/2.

Ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies and trained by another Ballysteen native Neville, in Yorkshire, the bay horse galloped to the finish line with Gerri Colombe challenging him on the final furlongs. 

The Real Whacker has now won three times at Cheltenham this season, in November, January and now the £100k Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the festival in March.

"I couldn't get any owners in Ireland. We'll work back from the Gold Cup."

Searing honesty from Patrick Neville who reflects on #CheltenhamFestival glory with The Real Whacker

20/1 for next year's Gold Cup, with @punchestownrace potentially next up pic.twitter.com/19x7W1geeO

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 15, 2023

And while The Real Whacker dazzled on the  Cotswolds course, its owner dazzled off course. Mann was decked out in a bright red and white ensemble to match that of his racing colours.  

There'll be dancing on the streets of Ballysteen and Rathkeale tonight! #CheltenhamFestival | #VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/DYAlEHV7Qe

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 15, 2023 

Speaking on ITV Racing, the winning owner declared: “We don’t know where but we are definitely going partying”. 

Trainer Patrick Neville is originally from Ballysteen and made the move to England two years ago.