Gigginstown get vote over their Irish rivals
Bruce Jackson examines the battle between connections
The only thing JP McManus should be 1-4 to do at the Cheltenham Festival is celebrate his 50th winner at the meeting, yet that is the general price he is to win the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing award for leading owner over the four days.
His 49 winners spans 35 years and is another example of just how difficult it is to find a winner, let alone a nap hand, at the meeting. McManus achieved a miraculous five in 2012 and has had three at each of the last two festivals.
There is no doubt he deserves to be favourite, and bookmakers in effect make him a banker to win the Stan James Champion Hurdle and Glenfarclas Cross Country. Then there are short-priced favourites Unowhatimeanharry and Defi Du Seuil.
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Published on inCheltenham Festival
Last updated
Copy- Expert jury: which horse could emerge from Saturday as a potential Cheltenham Festival winner?
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- Expert jury: which horse could emerge from Saturday as a potential Cheltenham Festival winner?
- WATCH: join Johnny Dineen and David Jennings for episode five of Upping The Ante featuring a selection for the Brown Advisory
- Who do you fancy for the Champion Chase after the weekend wins of Jonbon and Energumene?
- He looks a different animal altogether over fences and 16-1 is a big price for the Brown Advisory
- WATCH: join Johnny Dineen and David Jennings for episode four of Upping The Ante featuring a selection for the Arkle