JP McMANUS has made a major Cheltenham Festival move – by buying a red-hot favourite just days before the race.
The legendary Irish billionaire has dipped into his pockets again to pinch Meetingofthewaters, the 5-1 favourite for the Ultima.
McManus has moved at the last minute to purchase the horse privatelySportsfile
Clever operator Paul Byrne – who has been dubbed ‘the shrewdest guy in racing‘ – was the previous owner of the horse.
But according to the BHA website, JP McManus was listed as owner for the 3m handicap chase taking place on day one next Tuesday.
The seven-year-old gelding is trained by Willie Mullins and has an entry in the Grand National too.
Corach Rambler did the Ultima-Grand National double last year and it looks like the plan is for Meetingofthewaters to follow suit.
This is not the first time McManus has bought a horse from Byrne, the son of a late bookie.
Similar to this year, McManus was listed as the new owner of Corbetts Cross six days before he raced at Cheltenham last year.
The horse was sent off 9-4 favourite for the Albert Bartlett but dramatically ran out at the last when looking like having every chance of winning.
Corbetts Cross is now 9-4 fav for the National Hunt Chase this year, where he will again run in the famous green and gold silks.
Other former Byrne-owned horses to make their way to McManus include Filey Bay, So Scottish, Feronily and The Shunter.
The latter won a £100,000 bonus when victorious in the Plate at Cheltenham two weeks after landing the Morebattle at Kelso.
That resulted in a near £200,000 payday for his owner and trainer Emmet Mullins.
McManus bought the horse a day before he finished second at Aintree – but he has won only twice since.
More to follow.
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