Why four of JP McManus's runners will sport famous O'Sullevan silks at Newbury

All four JP McManus-owned runners in the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase (1.15) at Newbury on Saturday will run in the black and yellow silks that belonged to the commentator.

O'Sullevan, regarded as the 'voice of racing', died in 2015 and this race has been run in his memory ever since, with McManus opting for one of his runners to wear different silks every year from 2016.

For the first time, all of his representatives will carry the distinctive black and yellow colours gifted to McManus by O'Sullevan this year.

Nigel Payne, chairman of the Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust, said: "It's lovely to see all of his runners in the colours and it's a wonderful gesture in recognition of his friend.

"JP has always said he wanted to win the race in Sir Peter's colours and he's been the most wonderful supporter of the trust – we couldn't ever ask for more than the support he has given us."

JP McManus (centre): was a great friend of Sir Peter O'SullevanCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Sullevan called his final race on the BBC 23 years ago with Suny Bay's victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup and while the trust cancelled its annual lunch this week due to Covid-19, Payne is thrilled this tribute can still be paid to O'Sullevan at Newbury.

"It was a great blow to not hold the lunch," Payne added. "But having this association at Newbury is great – it gives the trust terrific exposure. JP has set out his stall to win it this year but whatever the result, it's lovely to see the silks on a racetrack once again."

The Paul Nicholls-trained Kapcorse won this race two years ago while carrying McManus's usual colours and is the 11-2 favourite.

"We haven't had as many in the race in the last couple of years as we have this time, but JP loves to keep his memory going," said McManus's racing manager Frank Berry. "They're all in good form."

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