Mister Donovan: a breakthrough success that launched the JP McManus empire

Building excitement every day until the festival

Cheltenham's greatest gambles

Mister Donovan
Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle, 1982

Viewed from a certain perspective, the 1982 Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle, won by an Irish-trained maiden with a heart murmur, was arguably one of the most influential jump races of the last 50 years.

The significance goes beyond the bare fact that Mister Donovan earned himself a permanent footnote in racing history by becoming the first festival winner in the green and gold colours of JP McManus, the most successful owner in Cheltenham history.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

Published on 27 February 2020inCheltenham Festival

Last updated 15:24, 4 March 2020

Copy