Limerick owner JP McManus celebrates his birthday with big double at Cheltenham Festival

LIMERICK racehorse owner JP McManus celebrated his 75th birthday in style on the opening day of the big Cheltenham National Hunt Festival this Tuesday.

McManus saw his famed green and gold colours carried to success by Saratoga in the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Prestbury Park, before 40 minutes later the Limerick business man returned to the winners' enclosure as Johnnywho won the Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) at odds of 18/1.

The brace of winners provided successful racehorse owner JP McManus with the perfect birthday present.

One of three horses running in the green and gold silks of McManus, the Padraig Roche-trained grey Saratoga, was a 10-1 chance under Mark Walsh in the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

The former Flat performer made light work of the 22-runner contest, strolling home ahead of Winston Junior to emulate his half-brother Brazil’s success in 2022 for the same owner, trainer and jockey combination.

McManus said: “We’ve always had a lot of fun and great days here. It’s a place which means so much to so many and I’m delighted to see this one win for Padraig.

“Every winner is special and I go back a long time with Padraig’s father Christy. We won this race with Brazil a few years ago and they were praying the ground would be fast and every day it was drying out was a bonus.

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“I’ve had winners here on my birthday before, but you never get tired of it.”

Roche added: “It’s near enough the same route we took with Brazil and we’ve always thought this race would suit him.

“Getting nice horses is half the battle in this game and I’m delighted Frank (Berry, racing manager) and JP decided to buy him.

“Today really mattered, but I’m sure we’ll find out down the road if he’s a bit better than a handicapper.”