Limerick's JP McManus lands Champion Owner award for stunning 20th time

LIMERICK businessesman JP McManus has claimed the Champion Owner category in the 2022/23 Irish National Hunt Champions awards for a 20th time.

Winner of the Horse Racing Ireland Contribution to the Industry Award in December, McManus' biggest success of the year came at Fairyhouse, where he landed the Boylesports Irish Grand National with I Am Maximus on his way to a third successive Champion Owner crown. 

There were also Grade 1 successes in his traditional green and gold hooped colours, as Saint Roi stormed to glory at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival and Gentleman De Mee was victorious at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Perceval Legallois, Ballybawn Belter and Risk Belle were other notable winners for McManus.

McManus said: “It’s always an honour to win the champion owner title. Thanks goes to all the trainers, jockeys and fantastic horses who gave my family and I some great days this season.” 

Presentations to the six National Hunt champions were made by Mr Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the final day of the Punchestown Racing Festival on Saturday.

2022/23 National Hunt Champions  

Champion Owner: JP McManus 

Champion Trainer: Willie Mullins 

Champion Jockey: Paul Townend 

Champion Conditional: Michael O'Sullivan 

Champion Amateur: Patrick Mullins 

Champion Lady Amateur Rider: Jody Townend