JP McManus snaps up smart novice chaser on course for Final Demand clash - and he'll remain under care of two-horse trainer

Click here to add us to your Google preferred sources or find out more here

Talented novice chaser Oscars Brother has been bought by JP McManus before his scheduled step into Grade 1 company in the Faugheen Novices' Chase at Limerick this Christmas, with the seven-year-old set to remain under the care of trainer Connor King.

With just two horses in his yard, and one of them now owned by the most powerful figure in jump racing, it has been a whirlwind few months for ex-jockey King.

Oscars Brother took his form to a new level when winning the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase last month with a game three-length victory over the Henry de Bromhead-trained Koktail Divin, and it was this success which caught the eye of McManus.

“After the last day, they got in touch to buy him, and it was simple enough really,” King said. “My family owned him in a syndicate. They had him for four years and had some great days with him. Hopefully he can keep progressing.”

JP McManus: added to his powerful string with the purchase of Oscars BrotherCredit: Patrick McCann

Connor is the brother of jockey Daniel King, who has ridden Oscars Brother in all four of his wins, and while riding arrangements have not been discussed with the new connections, King says that from his training point of view nothing has changed.

“Not a lot has changed, but I can't wait to see him running in those famous colours," he said. “I wouldn’t say it puts more pressure on me. I just stick to what I’m doing, and hopefully he can be lucky for them."

Willie Mullins trains four of the top five in the betting at the entry stage of the Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Chase, with Final Demand the red-hot favourite at odds of 1-3. However, it is Oscars Brother who follows next at 5-1. Can the Malinas gelding take a famous scalp and make a Grade 1 breakthrough?

“It looks like a good race on paper, but hopefully all being well between then and now, he will go and put up a good show,” King said.

“He’s come out of his last race really well and I'm happy with him. We’ll have to wait and see, but it’s jump racing, so anything could happen.”

Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Chase (Limerick, December 28)

Paddy Power: 1-3 Final Demand, 5 Oscars Brother, 6 Jimmy Du Seuil, 8 Kitzbuhel, 10 Predators Gold, The Big Westerner, 14 Gold Dancer 66 bar

Read more:

JP McManus pair Impose Toi and Honesty Policy among 11 declared for Saturday's Long Walk Hurdle 

Can Fact To File right a King George wrong for JP McManus and give the legendary owner a first win in the race? 

'It looks the ideal race for them' - Fact To File on course for Kempton and challenging Gaelic Warrior at head of King George betting 

Racing Post+ Ultimate subscribers can get a fantastic mix of news, tips, comment and insight sent straight to their inbox every day, from Chris Cook's award-winning morning newsletter The Front Runner every weekday at 7.30am to different weekly emails from the likes of Tom Segal, Paul Kealy and Lee Mottershead every evening at 6pm every evening as part of The Ultimate Daily. Head here now